Systems and methods for providing group promotions

ABSTRACT

Systems, apparatus, and methods for providing promotion to networked consumer device groups are discussed herein. Some embodiments may include a system including one or more servers with processing circuitry configured to provide consumer interfaces to consumer devices that facilitate the sharing of a group promotion via a network between the consumer devices. The sharing may include the creation of the group promotion, the transmission of the group promotion to consumers via various communication channels, the tracking of consumer activity toward a group discount, among other things. For example, subsequent to purchase of a promotion via a consumer device, the processing circuitry may provide a sharing channel display to the consumer device for consumer selection of a communication channel for sharing the group promotion. The processing circuitry may create an impression of the group promotion compatible with the selected communication channel and provide the impression to other consumer devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/565,380, which is titled, “Systems and Methods for Providing GroupPromotions,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/913,801, titled “Systems and Methods for ProvidingGroup Promotions,” filed Dec. 9, 2013, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/948,496, titled “Systems and Methods for ProvidingGroup Promotions,” filed Mar. 5, 2014, each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate, generally, to techniques forproviding electronic promotional data to groups of networked consumerdevices.

BACKGROUND

Via electronic networks (e.g., the Internet), promotional systemsprovide promotions associated with merchants to consumer devices.Oftentimes, two or more of the consumers may be interested inparticipating in a promotion as a group. In this regard, areas forimproving current systems have been identified.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, solutions to improvesuch systems have been realized and are described herein. Someembodiments may provide for a system and/or apparatus configured toprovide a promotion to a consumer group including multiple consumers.For example, the system may include one or more servers withcommunication circuitry and processing circuitry. The communicationcircuitry may be configured to connect with consumer devices via anetwork. The processing circuitry may be configured to: provide, via thenetwork and to a consumer device, a consumer interface including apromotion display with an interactive buy button; in response toreceiving, from the consumer device and via the network, first consumerdevice input data indicating a selection of the interactive buy buttonwithin the promotion display: provide a checkout display to the consumerinterface of the consumer device, the checkout display including acomplete order button; in response to receiving, from the consumerdevice and via the network, second consumer device input data indicatinga selection of the complete order button via the checkout display,complete a purchase of the promotion; subsequent to completing thepurchase of the promotion, provide a sharing channel display to theconsumer interface via the network; receive, via the network and fromthe consumer device, a selection of a communication channel for sharingthe group promotion; create an impression of the group promotioncompatible with the selected communication channel; and provide theimpression to the consumer interface of the consumer device via thenetwork.

In some embodiments, the impression may include an electronic referenceto an ungated group promotion display. The ungated group promotiondisplay may be accessible by consumer devices unassociated with aconsumer account.

Some embodiments may provide for system including one or more serverswith processing circuitry configured to: associate a group promotionidentifier with a first consumer account associated with a firstconsumer device; generate a group promotion event interface associatedwith the group promotion identifier; provide, via the network, the grouppromotion identifier to the first consumer device; receive, via thenetwork, an indication of the group promotion identifier from a secondconsumer device; in response to receiving the group promotion identifierfrom the second consumer device: determine a second consumer accountassociated with the second consumer device; and provide access to thegroup promotion event interface to the second consumer account. Theprocessing circuitry may be further configured to: receive, via thenetwork, a promotion purchase request from the second consumer devicegenerated via consumer device inputs to the promotion event interface;and in response to receiving the promotion purchase request, transmit,via the network, a promotion purchase notification to one or more of thefirst consumer device and the second consumer device.

Some embodiments may provide for system including one or more serverswith processing circuitry configured to: associate a group promotionidentifier with a group promotion; receive the group promotionidentifier from a consumer device; and in response to receiving thegroup promotion identifier from the consumer device:

determine a consumer account associated with the consumer device; andassociate the consumer account with the group promotion.

Some embodiments may provide for system including one or more serverswith processing circuitry configured to: generate the group promotionevent interface associated with a group promotion; provide, via thenetwork, the group promotion event interface to the consumer devices;receive, via the network, a promotion purchase request for the grouppromotion from a consumer device; and in response to receiving thepromotion purchase request, provide a promotion purchase notification tothe group promotion event interface via the network.

Some embodiments may include circuitry and/or media configured toimplement the methods and/or other functionality discussed herein. Forexample, one or more processors, and/or other machine components may beconfigured to implement the functionality discussed herein based oninstructions and/or other data stored in memory and/or othernon-transitory computer readable media.

These characteristics as well as additional features, functions, anddetails of various embodiments are described below. Similarly,corresponding and additional embodiments are also described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described some embodiments in general terms, reference willnow be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarilydrawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an example system in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows example circuitry in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows an example of a method for providing a group promotion to aconsumer group in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a method for providing a group discount of agroup promotion in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows an example of a method for determining a group redemptiontime based on a poll, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows an example of a method for providing a group promotion to aconsumer group based on a group promotion identifier in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows an example of an impression in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 8 shows an example promotion display in accordance with someembodiments;

FIGS. 9 and 10 show example add consumer displays in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 11 shows an example group promotion creation display in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 12 shows an example redemption date listing in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 13 shows group promotion creation display including one or moreproposed group redemption times in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 14 shows group promotion creation display including one or moreproposed group redemption times in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 15 shows an example group promotion creation display in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 16 shows an example consumer application home display in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 17 shows an example group promotion membership display inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 18 shows an example group discussion interface, in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 19 shows an example of a text message in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 20 shows an example impression in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 21 shows an example group discussion interface in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 22 shows an example impression in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 23 shows an example group discussion interface in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 24 shows an example polling interface in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 25 shows an example notification display in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 26 shows an example group discussion interface in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 27 shows an example expanded message input display in accordancewith some embodiments;

FIG. 28 shows an example of a method for providing a group promotion aspart of a primary purchase path of a consumer device user interface inaccordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 29 shows an example of a promotion display in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 30 shows an example of a checkout display in accordance with someembodiments;

FIG. 31 shows an example of a sharing channel display in accordance withsome embodiments;

FIG. 32 shows an example of a method for providing a group promotion toa consumer group based on an electronic reference in accordance withsome embodiments; and

FIG. 33 shows an example of an ungated group promotion display inaccordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodimentscontemplated herein are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may beimplemented in many different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information” and similarterms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of beingcaptured, transmitted, received, displayed and/or stored in accordancewith various example embodiments. Thus, use of any such terms should notbe taken to limit the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Further, wherea device is described herein to receive data from another device, itwill be appreciated that the data may be received directly from theanother device or may be received indirectly via one or moreintermediary devices, such as, for example, one or more servers, relays,routers, network access points, base stations, and/or the like,sometimes referred to herein as a “network.” Similarly, where a deviceis described herein to send data to another device, it will beappreciated that the data may be sent directly to the another device ormay be sent indirectly via one or more intermediary devices, such as,for example, one or more servers, relays, routers, network accesspoints, base stations, and/or the like.

As used herein, the term “method” refers to one or more steps that maybe performed by a device, apparatus, system, circuitry, one or moreprocessors, or the like. Where an example method is shown as includingmore than one step, it will be appreciated that the steps may beperformed in different orders than as shown in the example and that notall steps are necessarily required. Furthermore, the methods aredescribed herein as being performed by example structures for clarityand are not limited to those structures (e.g., a particular server,device, apparatus, etc.) in some embodiments.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Methods, systems, apparatus and computer program products describedherein are operable for providing promotions to consumer groups. A“promotion,” as used herein, may include, but is not limited to, anytype of offered, presented or otherwise indicated reward, discount,coupon, credit, deal, incentive, discount, media or the like that isindicative of a promotional value or the like that upon purchase oracceptance results in the issuance of an instrument that may be usedtoward at least a portion of the purchase of particular goods, servicesand/or experiences defined by the promotion.

In some embodiments, consumers may be allowed to define a grouppromotion for sharing with other consumers. A “group promotion,” as usedherein, refers to a promotion that has been associated with a consumergroup. For example, the system may be configured to receive grouppromotion data that defines the group promotion, such as the underlyingpromotion of the group promotion and/or the members of the consumergroup to be associated with the group promotion.

Some embodiments may provide for group planning capabilities fromend-to-end, such as from discovery of the promotion by a first consumer,to invitation of other consumers to participate in the group promotion,to facilitating payments, and finally to making reservations (e.g., at adine-in restaurant) when appropriate. For example, in some embodiments,a system may be configured to provide user interfaces to consumerdevices that allow consumers to discuss the group promotion. Forexample, consumers can post messages and receive messages from otherconsumers via a discussion or message feed interface, such as forplanning and organizing activities where group promotions can beredeemed as a group (e.g., a promotion for dinner at a dine-inrestaurant). In some embodiments, the system may be configured tofacilitate the planning. For example, a poll including one or moreproposed group redemption times may be sent to consumers of the consumergroup and a group redemption time may be determined based on the answersprovided by the consumers. In some embodiments, the system may befurther configured to provide scheduling and/or reservationfunctionalities. For example, available group redemption times may belimited by the capacity of the merchant at a particular time.Additionally and/or alternatively, the system may be configured toschedule a reservation with a merchant after the group redemption timehas been determined.

Some embodiments may provide for techniques for determining a group salethreshold for the group promotion. The group sale threshold may indicatea number of purchases of the promotion (and/or agreements to purchasethe promotion) that must be exceeded by members of the consumer groupbefore a group discount and/or other incentive may be awarded. Upon theconsumer group successfully exceeding the group sale threshold, thesystem may award the group discount to the consumer group. For example,purchased consumers (and/or purchased consumer accounts of the purchasedconsumers) of the consumer group that have already purchased thepromotion may be provided with a credit and/or refund. In anotherexample, unpurchased consumers (and/or unpurchased consumer accounts ofthe unpurchased consumers) of the consumer group that has not purchasedthe promotion may be provided with an opportunity to purchase thepromotion at a discounted purchase price. In a third example, the groupsale threshold may be based on the number of consumers that has simplyagreed to purchase the promotion. Here, when the group sale threshold isexceeded, each consumer that has agreed to purchase the promotion may becharged a discounted purchase price. In that sense, some embodiments mayprovide for incentives to consumers to share the group promotion suchthat the group sale threshold can be exceeded. In some embodiments, aconsumer may be allowed to set the group sale threshold and larger groupsale thresholds may be encouraged via a discounted purchase price thatvaries based on the user defined group sale threshold.

In some embodiments, the system may be configured to provide animpression of the promotion and/or group promotion to consumer devices,such as for advertising or otherwise communicating the group promotion.An “impression,” as used herein, may include a communication, a display,or other perceived indication, such as a flyer, print media, e-mail,text message, application alert, mobile applications, other type ofelectronic interface or distribution channel and/or the like, of one ormore promotions and/or group promotions. In some embodiments, theimpression of the group promotion may include an interface or areference to an interface for discussing, purchasing, accepting and/orredeeming the group promotion.

Exemplary System Architecture

FIG. 1 shows an example system 100 in accordance with some embodiments.System 100 may include promotion and marketing system 102 (or “system102”), network 104, consumer device 106, and merchant device 108. System102 may be communicably connected with consumer device 106 and merchantdevice 108 via network 104. System 102 may include server 110 anddatabase 112.

Server 110 may include circuitry, networked processors, or the likeconfigured to perform some or all of the server-based processesdescribed herein and may be any suitable network server and/or othertype of processing device. In some embodiments, system 102 may functionas a “cloud” with respect to the consumer device 106 and/or merchantdevice 108. In that sense, server 110 may include several serversperforming interconnected and/or distributed functions. To avoidunnecessarily overcomplicating the disclosure, server 110 is shown anddescribed herein as a single server.

Database 112 may be any suitable network storage device configured tostore some or all of the information described herein. For example,database 112 may be configured to store consumer information and/orpromotion information. As such, database 112 may include, for example,one or more database systems, backend data servers, network databases,cloud storage devices, etc. To avoid unnecessarily overcomplicating thedisclosure, database 112 is shown and described herein as a singledatabase.

Network 104 may include one or more wired and/or wireless communicationnetworks including, for example, a wired or wireless local area network(LAN), personal area network (PAN), metropolitan area network (MAN),wide area network (WAN), or the like, as well as any hardware, softwareand/or firmware for implementing the one or more networks (such as,e.g., network routers, switches, hubs, etc.). For example, network 104may include a cellular telephone, mobile broadband, long term evolution(LTE), GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, WiFi,dial-up, and/or WiMax network. Furthermore, network 104 may include apublic network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as anintranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety ofnetworking protocols now available or later developed including, but notlimited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.

Consumer device 106 may be associated with a consumer and/or consumeraccount, such as a consumer with a consumer account provided by system102. Although a single consumer device 106 is shown, system 100 mayinclude any number of consumer devices that may be associated withvarious other consumers and/or consumer accounts. Consumer device 106may be a mobile device and/or a stationary device. For example, consumerdevice 106 may be a mobile device such as a cellular telephone(including smartphones and/or other types of mobile telephones), laptop,tablet, electronic reader, e-book device, media device, and/or the like.Additionally and/or alternatively, consumer device 106 may be astationary device such as a desktop computer, work station,point-of-sale device, or the like.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to receive grouppromotion data indicating a plurality of consumer accounts that definesa consumer group from a consumer device 106. The group promotion datamay further indicate a promotion for which server 110 may be configuredto associate with the consumer group.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide anincentive to the consumers of the consumer group to purchase thepromotion. For example, server 110 may be configured to associate agroup discount with each of the plurality of consumer accounts, such asin response to determining that a group sale count for the promotionexceeds a group sale threshold for the promotion. The group salethreshold may indicate a number of consumers of the consumer group thatmust purchase the promotion, as defined by the group sale count, beforethe group discount may be applied to one or more consumers of theconsumer group. In some embodiments, the group sale discount may beawarded in the form of a credit to consumer accounts and/or a refund,such as for at least a portion of a purchase price for the promotion. Insome embodiments, server 110 may be further configured to facilitatepromotion sharing between consumers of the consumer group, groupredemption planning, event planning, among other things.

Merchant device 108 may be associated with a merchant and/or provider ofpromotions. Although a single merchant device 108 is shown, system 100may include any number of merchant devices that may be associated withvarious other merchants. In some embodiments, merchant device 108 may beconfigured to provide point-of-sale (POS) functionality for themerchant, such as at the merchant's shop. Furthermore, merchant device108 may be a stationary and/or mobile device. In some embodiments,system 102 may be configured to receive promotion data indicating apromotion for goods and/or services and/or one or more parameters of thepromotion (e.g., target audience, timing, purchase value, promotionalvalue, residual value, etc.). System 102 may then generate and/orprovide one or more impressions for the promotion to consumer device102.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of example circuitry 200, some orall of which may be included in system 102, server 110, database 112,user device 106, and merchant device 108. In accordance with someexample embodiments, circuitry 200 may include various means, such asone or more processors 202, memories 204, communications modules 206,and/or input/output modules 208.

In some embodiments, such as when circuitry 200 is included in system102, group promotion module 210 may also or instead be included. Asreferred to herein, “module” includes hardware, software and/or firmwareconfigured to perform one or more particular functions. In this regard,the means of circuitry 200 as described herein may be embodied as, forexample, circuitry, hardware elements (e.g., a suitably programmedprocessor, combinational logic circuit, integrated circuit, and/or thelike), a computer program product comprising computer-readable programinstructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g.,memory 204) that is executable by a suitably configured processingdevice (e.g., processor 202), or some combination thereof.

Processor 202 may, for example, be embodied as various means includingone or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signalprocessor(s), one or more processor(s) without an accompanying digitalsignal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-coreprocessors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or morecomputers, various other processing elements including integratedcircuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integratedcircuit) or FPGA (field programmable gate array), or some combinationthereof. Accordingly, although illustrated in FIG. 2 as a singleprocessor, in some embodiments, processor 202 may comprise a pluralityof processing means. The plurality of processing means may be embodiedon a single computing device or may be distributed across a plurality ofcomputing devices collectively configured to function as circuitry 200.The plurality of processing means may be in operative communication witheach other and may be collectively configured to perform one or morefunctionalities of circuitry 200 as described herein. In an exampleembodiment, processor 202 may be configured to execute instructionsstored in memory 204 or otherwise accessible to processor 202. Theseinstructions, when executed by processor 202, may cause circuitry 200 toperform one or more of the functionalities described herein.

Whether configured by hardware, firmware/software methods, or by acombination thereof, processor 202 may comprise an entity capable ofperforming operations according to embodiments of the present inventionwhile configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when processor 202 isembodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, processor 202 may comprisespecifically configured hardware for conducting one or more operationsdescribed herein. As another example, when processor 202 may be embodiedas an executor of instructions, such as may be stored in memory 204, theinstructions may specifically configure processor 202 to perform one ormore algorithms, methods or operations described herein. For example,processor 202 may be configured to execute operating systemapplications, firmware applications, media playback applications, mediaediting applications, among other things.

Memory 204 may comprise, for example, volatile memory, non-volatilememory, or some combination thereof. Although illustrated in FIG. 2 as asingle memory, memory 204 may comprise a plurality of memory components.The plurality of memory components may be embodied on a single computingcomponent or distributed across a plurality of computing components. Invarious embodiments, memory 204 may comprise, for example, a hard disk,random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, a compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM), solid state memory, digital versatile disc readonly memory (DVD-ROM), an optical disc, circuitry configured to storeinformation, integrated circuitry, chemical/biological memory, paper, orsome combination thereof. Memory 204 may be configured to storeinformation, data, applications, instructions, or the like for enablingcircuitry 200 to carry out various functions in accordance with exampleembodiments discussed herein. For example, in at least some embodiments,memory 204 may be configured to buffer input data for processing byprocessor 202. Additionally or alternatively, in at least someembodiments, memory 204 may be configured to store program instructionsfor execution by processor 202 and/or data for processing by processor202. Memory 204 may store information in the form of static and/ordynamic information. This stored information may be stored and/or usedby circuitry 200 during the course of performing its functionalities.

Communications module 206 may be embodied as any component or meansembodied in circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprisingcomputer readable program instructions stored on a computer readablemedium (e.g., memory 204) and executed by a processing device (e.g.,processor 202), or a combination thereof that is configured to receiveand/or transmit data from/to another device, such as, for example, asecond circuitry 200 and/or the like. In some embodiments,communications module 206 (like other components discussed herein) canbe at least partially embodied as or otherwise controlled by processor202. In this regard, communications module 206 may be in communicationwith processor 202, such as via a bus. Communications module 206 mayinclude, for example, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, atransceiver, network interface card and/or supporting hardware and/orfirmware/software for enabling communications. Communications module 206may be configured to receive and/or transmit any data that may be storedby memory 204 using any protocol that may be used for communications.Communications module 206 may additionally and/or alternatively be incommunication with the memory 204, input/output module 208 and/or anyother component of circuitry 200, such as via a bus. Communicationsmodule 206 may be configured to use one or more communications protocolssuch as, for example, short messaging service (SMS), Wi-Fi (e.g., a802.11 protocol, Bluetooth, etc.), radio frequency systems (e.g., 900MHz, 1.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, GSM, GSMplus EDGE, CDMA, quadband, and other cellular protocols, VOIP, or anyother suitable protocol

Input/output module 208 may be in communication with processor 202 toreceive an indication of an input and/or to provide an audible, visual,mechanical, or other output. In that sense, input/output module 208 mayinclude means for performing analog-to-digital and/or digital-to-analogdata conversions. Input/output module 208 may include support, forexample, for a display, touch screen, keyboard, button, click wheel,mouse, joystick, an image capturing device, microphone, speaker,biometric scanner, and/or other input/output mechanisms. In embodimentswhere circuitry 200 may be implemented as a server or database, aspectsof input/output module 208 may be reduced as compared to embodimentswhere circuitry 200 may be implemented as an end-user machine or othertype of device designed for complex user interactions. In someembodiments (like other components discussed herein), input/outputmodule 208 may even be eliminated from circuitry 200. Alternatively,such as in embodiments wherein circuitry 200 is embodied as a server ordatabase, at least some aspects of input/output module 208 may beembodied on an apparatus used by a user that is in communication withcircuitry 200. Input/output module 208 may be in communication withmemory 204, communications module 206, and/or any other component(s),such as via a bus. Although more than one input/output module and/orother component can be included in circuitry 200, only one is shown inFIG. 2 to avoid overcomplicating the disclosure (e.g., like the othercomponents discussed herein).

In some embodiments, group promotion module 210 may also or instead beincluded and configured to perform the functionality discussed hereinrelated providing group promotions. In some embodiments, some or all ofthe functionality of group promotion module 210 may be performed byprocessor 202. In this regard, the example processes and algorithmsdiscussed herein can be performed by at least one processor 202 and/orgroup promotion module 210. For example, non-transitory computerreadable storage media can be configured to store firmware, one or moreapplication programs, and/or other software, which include instructionsand other computer-readable program code portions that can be executedto control processors of the components of system 200 to implementvarious operations, including the examples shown herein. As such, aseries of computer-readable program code portions may be embodied in oneor more computer program products and can be used, with a device,server, database, and/or other programmable apparatus, to produce themachine-implemented processes discussed herein.

Any such computer program instructions and/or other type of code may beloaded onto a computer, processor or other programmable apparatus'scircuitry to produce a machine, such that the computer, processor otherprogrammable circuitry that executes the code may be the means forimplementing various functions, including those described herein. Insome embodiments, one or more external systems (such as a remote cloudcomputing and/or data storage system) may also be leveraged to provideat least some of the functionality discussed herein.

As described above and as will be appreciated based on this disclosure,various embodiments may be implemented as methods, mediums, devices,servers, databases, systems, and the like. Accordingly, embodiments maycomprise various means including entirely of hardware or any combinationof software and hardware. Furthermore, embodiments may take the form ofa computer program product on at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having computer-readable programinstructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium.Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized includingnon-transitory hard disks, CD/DVD-ROMs, flash memory, optical storagedevices, quantum storage devices, chemical storage devices, biologicalstorage devices, magnetic storage devices, etc.

Embodiments have been described above with reference to block diagramsof components, such as functional modules, system components andcircuitry. Below is a discussion of an example process flowchartsdescribing functionality that may be implemented by one or morecomponents discussed above. Each block of the block diagrams and processflowcharts, and combinations of blocks diagrams and process flowcharts,respectively, can be implemented by various means including computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus, such as processor 202, toproduce a machine, such that the computer program product includes theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or block diagrams.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable storage device (e.g., memory 204) that can direct acomputer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function ina particular manner, such that the instructions stored in thecomputer-readable storage device produce an article of manufactureincluding computer-readable instructions for implementing the functiondiscussed herein. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions discussed herein.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and processflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and processflowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedcomputer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Providing Group Promotions

FIG. 3 shows an example of a method 300 for providing a group promotionto a consumer group, in accordance with some embodiments. Method 300 isdescribed as being performed by system 102 (e.g., server 110), however,other suitable structures (e.g., one or more servers, a networkeddevice, hardware, software, firmware, circuitry, etc.) may also be usedin various embodiments.

Method 300 may begin at 302 and proceed to 304, where server 110 may beconfigured to provide promotions to consumers, such as on an individualbasis. For example, server 110 may be configured to receive thepromotion data for the promotion, the promotion, and/or an impression ofthe promotion from merchant device 108. An impression may then begenerated based on the promotion data and/or provided to consumer device106. Upon a consumer purchasing and/or accepting the promotion, theconsumer may be provided an instrument that may be used (e.g., with themerchant) toward at least a portion of the purchase of particular goods,services and/or experiences defined by the promotion. An “instrument,”as used herein, may include, but is not limited to, any type of giftcard, tender, electronic certificate, medium of exchange, voucher, orthe like that embodies the terms of the promotion from which theinstrument resulted and may be used toward at least a portion of thepurchase, acquisition, procurement, consumption or the like of goods,services and/or experiences. In some examples, the instrument may takethe form of tender that has a given value that is exchangeable forgoods, services and/or experiences and/or a reduction in a purchaseprice of a particular good, service or experience.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an impression 700, in accordance with someembodiments. Impression 700 is an example of a user interface thatincludes an indication of one or more promotions that may be provided toconsumer devices, such as upon accessing a mobile application and/or aweb browser on the consumer devices. While the interface of impression700 (as well as some of the other displays discussed herein) is adaptedfor consumer use via a mobile device application (e.g., employing atouchscreen for receiving user inputs), other interfaces adapted forother devices (e.g., tablets, desktops, laptops, etc.) and/or othercommunication channels (e.g., SMS text. Email, etc.) may be used. Asshown in FIG. 7, impression 700 may include a plurality of promotions,such as promotions 702 and 704 (fully viewable upon scrolling down, butnot fully shown in FIG. 7).

In addition or alternative to allowing consumers to purchase and/orredeem promotions individually, server 110 may be configured to allowconsumers to define group promotions. At 306, server 110 may beconfigured to receive group promotion data indicating a plurality ofconsumer accounts and a promotion from a first consumer deviceassociated with a first consumer account. For example, the grouppromotion data may indicate consumer intent to define a group promotionfor a consumer group including the first consumer and one or more otherconsumers. In another example, the group promotion data received fromthe first consumer device may indicate only consumers and/or consumeraccounts other than the first consumer or a first consumer account ofthe first user. Server 110 may be further configured to generate thegroup promotion data to include the first consumer and/or first consumeraccount within the consumer group.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to receive the grouppromotion data from consumer device 106 via an application executing onconsumer device 106. Additionally and/or alternatively, server 110 maybe configured to provide an on-demand group promotion service toconsumer device 106 that provides a user interface for submitting thegroup promotion data to consumer device 106. For example, consumerdevice 106 may be configured as a thin client that displays graphicaloutputs generated by server 110 and/or send user inputs received byconsumer device 106 (e.g., from a touch screen or other user inputdevice) to server 110 for consumer interaction with the on-demand grouppromotion service.

FIG. 8 shows an example promotion display 800, in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, promotion display 800 (which may alsoinclude an impression indicating the promotion) may be displayed inresponse to the first consumer selecting the promotion in impression700, such as by the selection of promotion 702. Promotion display 800may include some or all of the promotion data in impression 700, and insome embodiments, may include additional details such as price, discountamount, promotion availability, and a more detailed description. Thefirst consumer may be allowed to purchase the promotion, such as on anindividual basis, by selecting buy selection 802 (or “buy button 802”).The consumer may also be allowed to create a group promotion usingpromotion display 800, such as by selecting group promotion selection804. Here, the primary purchase path in response to buy selection 802 isthe purchase of the promotion on an individual basis.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show example add consumer displays 900 and 1000, inaccordance with some embodiments. Add consumer displays 900 and 1000 maybe provided to the first consumer device to allow the first consumerdevice to select and/or otherwise specify consumers for addition to theconsumer group. For example, the consumer may be allowed to enter thename, phone number, email, and/or other identifying and/or contactinformation of consumers to be added to the consumer group at consumerentry 902. In some embodiments, as shown add consumer display 1000,server 110 and/or consumer device 106 may be configured to look upconsumers associated with the first consumer based on what is entered inconsumer entry 902. For example, server 110 may be configured to accessconsumer data indicating the identity and/or contact information ofconsumers associated with the first consumer, such as the firstconsumer's friends or acquaintances (e.g., as may be stored in a socialnetworking system, system 102, and/or consumer device 106 (e.g., usercontacts)) to facilitate the entry of the group promotion data. Theconsumer information may be provided to automatically populate aselectable consumer list, such as consumer list 1002, based on the entryat consumer entry 902.

In some embodiments, the promotion display (e.g., promotion display 800)may provide an electronic message indicating the option to purchase thepromotion as a group and receive a reward, incentive, or discount inexchange for the group purchase, such as shown at group promotionselection 804.

FIG. 15 shows an example group promotion creation display 1500, inaccordance with some embodiments. Group promotion creation display 1500is another example of a user interface that may be provided to aconsumer device to facilitate the generating and/or sending of the grouppromotion data to server 110. For example, the first consumer may definethe plurality of consumer accounts for the consumer group by providingconsumer contact information (e.g., phone number, email address,consumer account username, consumer name, social media account, socialnetworking system account, etc.) of the plurality consumers at consumersearch input 1502. In response to receiving the consumer contactinformation, server 110 may be configured to provide consumer list 1504including one or more consumers that most closely match the consumercontact information. Via consumer list 1504, the first consumer may beallowed to select one or more consumers for inclusion within theconsumer group, which may be indicated at consumer group membershipdisplay 1506. In some embodiments, where no matching consumer account isidentified (e.g., based on the entry at consumer search input 1502),server 110 may be configured to generate a placeholder account based onthe consumer contact information.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide recommendedconsumers for inclusion within the consumer group. For example, grouppromotion creation display 1500 may include consumer recommendation list1508 configured to provide one or more recommended consumers forinclusion within the consumer group. In some embodiments, server 110 maybe configured to determine the one or more recommended consumers basedon promotion relevance. For example, the good, service, and/orexperience defined by the group promotion may be compared with consumerdata indicating consumer purchases, preferences, interests, among otherthings. Additionally and/or alternatively, server 110 may be configuredto determine the one or more recommended consumers based on a socialconnection with the first consumer. For example, server 110 may beconfigured to provide social networking functionality for consumeraccounts including “friend” associations between consumers, or the like.Here, server 110 may be configured to determine one or more friends ofthe first consumer as a recommended consumer. Similarly, the consumersshown in consumer list 1002 may additionally and/or alternatively bedetermined based on relevance of the promotion to consumers based onpurchases, preferences, interests, among other things.

In some embodiments, the group promotion data received from the firstconsumer device may also include a group redemption time and/or one ormore proposed group redemption times. A “group redemption time,” as usedherein, may indicate a date and/or time of day for which the consumergroup will redeem the promotion. For example, the first consumer may beinterested in a group event, outing, or activity provided by thepromotion, such as a promotion for a discount dinner at a restaurant. Insome embodiments, the group redemption time may be provided by the firstconsumer and shared with other consumers of the consumer. In someembodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide a poll based onreceiving group promotion data indicating one or more group redemptiontimes proposed by the first consumer. For example, the poll may beconfigured to allow consumers of the consumer group to rank the one ormore proposed group redemption times provided by the first consumer, andsubsequently, to determine a group redemption time that is optimized forthe consumer group.

FIG. 11 shows an example group promotion creation display 1100, inaccordance with some embodiments. Group promotion creation display 1100may be provided to the first consumer device, such as in response to thefirst consumer selecting consumer group completion selection 1004 (e.g.,indicating that the first consumer has finished defining membership ofthe consumer group). Group promotion creation display 1100 may includeadded consumer display 1102 configured to provide an indication of theconsumers in the consumer group and/or allow the first consumer tofurther modify membership in the consumer group, such as via selection1104.

Additionally and/or alternatively, group promotion creation display 1100may include poll selection 1106 to allow the first consumer to selectwhether to initiate a poll for determining the group redemption time.For example, in response to the first consumer selecting “ON” for pollselection 1106, group promotion creation display 1100 may be configuredto provide redemption date listing 1200 (FIG. 12) to allow the firstconsumer to define the one or more proposed group redemption dates.

FIG. 12 shows an example redemption date listing 1200, in accordancewith some embodiments. Redemption date listing 1200 may include alisting of selectable redemption dates. In some embodiments, the firstconsumer may be allowed to select more than one (e.g., three) proposedredemption dates, such as shown for the Friday, May 17 selection 1202and Friday, May 24 selection 1204.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide schedulingand/or calendar services to consumers. For example, the first consumermay be allowed to view the schedule and/or calendar of other consumersand/or merchants (e.g., open reservations at a restaurant) in connectionwith selecting the one or more group redemption times, the grouppurchase threshold, the consumer group members, and/or other grouppromotion data. For example, as shown in redemption date listing 1200,Saturday, May 18 indicator 1206 may not include a selectable box or thelike because reservations with the merchant are unavailable for thatdate. Additionally and/or alternatively, server 110 may be configured todetermine whether the one or more of the proposed group redemption timeconflicts with the schedule and/or calendar of the consumers in theconsumer group. For example, upon determining a conflict, the firstconsumer may be notified to take remedial action, such as by specifyinga different group redemption time (e.g., conflicting dates may beunselectable and/or otherwise indicated as such), promotion, grouppurchase threshold, and/or consumer set for the consumer group.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to receive the grouppromotion data from the first consumer device further indicating aranking of two or more proposed group redemption times. As shown in FIG.15, for example, group promotion creation display 1500 may furtherinclude proposed group redemption time display 1512 configured to allowthe first consumer to select and rank the one or more group redemptiontimes. For example, group redemption time display 1512 indicates thatthe first consumer has selected and ranked three days in January (e.g.,1, 2 and 3, with 1 being the highest ranked) as three proposed groupredemption times.

FIG. 13 shows group promotion creation display 1100 including one ormore proposed group redemption times, in accordance with someembodiments. Upon the first consumer selecting the one or more proposedgroup redemption times (e.g., via redemption date listing 1200), the oneor more proposed group redemption times may be shown at 1304 forconfirmation by the first consumer. In some embodiments, the firstconsumer may be further allowed to provide a description, invitation, orother message for the other consumers of the consumer group, such as byentering the message in message entry 1306. Upon the proposed groupredemption times, consumer group, group sale threshold, and/or othergroup promotion data being entered to the first consumer's satisfaction,the first consumer device may be configured to send the group promotiondata to server 110, such as in response to the first consumer selectingsend selection 1308. Similarly, upon the first consumer completing eachof the data entries of group promotion creation display 1500, the firstconsumer device may be configured to send the promotion data definingthe group promotion to server 110, such as in response to the firstconsumer selecting invite selection 1514. Accordingly, server 110 may beconfigured to receive the promotion data defining the group promotionfrom the first consumer device.

FIG. 14 shows an example group promotion confirmation display 1400, inaccordance with some embodiments. Server 110 may be configured toprovide group promotion confirmation display 1400 to the first consumerdevice, such as in response to receiving the group promotion data,generating the group promotion, and/or validating the group promotiondata. As such, group promotion confirmation display 1400 may includeconfirmation message 1402 indicating that the group promotion (and/or anassociated discussion thereof) has been successfully created. In someembodiments, promotion confirmation display 1400 may further includeimage entry 1404, which may be configured to receive an image and/orreference to an image of the first consumer that can be subsequentlyprovided to other consumers of the consumer group in connection with thegroup promotion and/or impression of the group promotion. In someembodiments, the image may be provided by a third party system, such asa third party social networking system.

At 308, server 110 may be configured to create a group promotion byassociating the promotion with the plurality of consumer accounts. Forexample, the promotion and the plurality of consumer accounts may bedetermined and associated based on the group promotion data receivedfrom the first consumer device as discussed above. In some embodiments,associating the promotion with the plurality of consumer accounts may atleast partially define the parameters of the group promotion. In someembodiments, server 110 may be further configured to generate and/ordetermine a group promotion identifier that uniquely identifies thegroup promotion. Here, the data discussed herein as being associatedwith a group promotion may be associated with the group promotion viathe group promotion identifier. For example, the group promotionidentifier may be associated with the promotion via a promotionidentifier and the plurality of consumer accounts via consumer accountidentifiers.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be further configured to generateone or more placeholder consumer accounts based on the group promotiondata, such as when the group promotion data indicates a consumer thatdoes not have an existing consumer account. For example, the consumercontact information (and/or other consumer identifying information, suchas consumer name) of the group promotion data received from the firstconsumer device may be compared with consumer account information (e.g.,known contact information) of existing consumer accounts. Where a matchis found, server 110 may be configured to associate the matchingexisting consumer account with the promotion. When a match is not found,server 110 may be configured to generate a placeholder consumer accountand the placeholder consumer account may be associated with thepromotion. Upon the consumer of the placeholder consumer accountpurchasing the promotion, which may require that the consumer create anactual consumer account, the actual consumer account may be associatedwith the group promotion. For example, the placeholder consumer accountmay be converted, upgraded, replaced, or the like with the actualconsumer account. A “consumer account,” as used herein, may include anytype of data that identifies the consumer including placeholder and/oractual consumer accounts.

At 310, server 110 may be configured to determine a group sale thresholdfor the group promotion. For example, the group sale threshold mayindicate a number of purchases of the group promotion and/or agreementsto purchase the group promotion that must be exceeded by members of theconsumer group before a group discount and/or other incentive may beawarded. For example, a group sale threshold of 4 for the grouppromotion may indicate that more than four of the consumers of theconsumer group must purchase and/or otherwise agree to purchase thegroup promotion before the group discount and/or other incentive may beawarded to each of the at least four consumers. In some examples, thegroup sale threshold may be compared with the number of distinctconsumers that purchase and/or agree to purchase the group promotion. Inanother example, the group sale threshold may be based on the number ofpurchases of and/or agreements to purchase the group promotion acrossall consumers of the consumer group (e.g., a distinct consumer canpurchase the promotion multiple times with each purchase counting towardthe group sale count). In some embodiments, the group sale threshold maybe different from the number of consumers in the consumer group. Forexample, for the group sale threshold of 4, a consumer group of tenconsumers may be eligible for the group discount so long as at leastfive consumers purchase and/or agree to purchase the promotion such thatthe group sale threshold is exceeded.

In some embodiments, the group sale threshold may be determined based onthe promotion data of the group promotion that is used as the basis forthe group promotion. For example, server 110 may be configured toreceive the group sale threshold as promotion data from merchant device108. Here, merchants may be allowed to specify the group sale thresholdat which the merchant may be willing to provide the group discount.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to determine the groupsale threshold based on the group promotion data, the promotion data ofthe promotion, and/or merchant data indicating characteristics of themerchant. For example, the group sale threshold may be smaller forpromotions of lower capacity merchants than higher capacity merchants,such as when the merchant is a dine-in restaurant with limited seating.Additionally and/or alternatively, the group sale threshold may bedetermined based on merchant supply and/or capacity. For example, thegroup sale threshold may be set based on merchant inventories, merchantavailability, consumer demand for a promotion, and/or fluctuations ofconsumer demand (e.g., within certain times of day, times of week, timesof month, times of year, etc.).

Additionally and/or alternatively, the group sale threshold may be basedon the group redemption time. For example, the group redemption time maybe compared with the merchant data to determine merchant inventories,availability, and/or consumer demand at the group redemption time. Here,the group sale threshold may be set higher based on (e.g., determined,estimated, and/or projected) higher merchant capacity at the groupredemption time. For example, a group redemption time of 6 pm for adine-in restaurant promotion may result in a lower group sale thresholdto avoid overcrowding the restaurant during peak hours. Conversely, agroup redemption time of 3 pm may result in a higher group salethreshold to entice consumers to the restaurant during non-peak hours.In another example, the group sale threshold may be set lower for groupredemption times during non-peak hours and/or when consumer demand isotherwise low to entice consumers to purchase the group promotion (e.g.,to receive the group discount).

In some embodiments, the group sale threshold may be defined by aconsumer, such as the first consumer that creates the group promotion byproviding the group promotion data. In that sense, server 110 may befurther configured (e.g., at 306) to receive the group promotion datafrom the first consumer device indicating the group sale threshold andto determine the group sale threshold based on the group promotion datareceived from the first consumer device. As shown in FIG. 15, forexample, group promotion creation display 1500 may further include groupsale threshold entry 1510. Via group sale threshold entry 1510, forexample, the first consumer may be allowed to specify the group salethreshold, such as the group sale threshold of four consumers shown atgroup sale threshold entry 1510. In some embodiments, the first consumermay be incentivized to define a larger group sale threshold by providinggreater incentives for larger group sale thresholds. In someembodiments, the group promotion may be associated with a plurality ofgroup sale thresholds, with each higher group sale threshold beingassociated with a larger incentive.

At 312, server 110 may be configured to provide an impression of thegroup promotion to a second consumer device associated with a secondconsumer account of the plurality of consumer accounts. In someembodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide the impression toeach consumer of the consumer group, such as via consumer devicesassociated with each of consumer. The impression may include a messageindicating the availability of the group promotion for acceptance and/orpurchase by the second consumer as a group promotion and/or userinterfaces for taking further action. In some embodiments, theimpression and/or other user interface may include a group discussioninterface for discussing the group promotion among members of theconsumer group. Additionally and/or alternatively, in some embodiments,the impression and/or other user interface may include a pollinginterface for receiving redemption time data from consumer devices ofthe consumer group indicating availability of the other consumer for theone or more proposed group redemption times.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to send a messageindicating the group promotion to a consumer device 108 based on thegroup promotion data provided by the first consumer device. For example,if the first consumer device provided a consumer account username and/orother consumer identifying data (e.g., name, email, telephone number,etc.) associated with a valid consumer account, server 110 may beconfigured to push a message to the second consumer device associatedwith the second consumer account.

FIG. 16 shows an example consumer application home display 1600, inaccordance with some embodiments. For example, in response to the secondconsumer accessing a consumer device application and/or a webpage, amongother things, provided by server 110, server 110 may be configured toprovide consumer application home display 1600 to the second consumerdevice. Consumer application home display 1600 may include an impressionof one or more promotions, such as the “Featured” promotions 702 and704. Furthermore, consumer application home display 1600 may includegroup discussion selection 1602. Group discussion selection 1602 mayinclude unread message indicator 1604 to provide a count of the unreadmessages from other consumers (e.g., of the consumer group for the grouppromotion and/or other group promotions) and/or other group promotionstatus/discussion updates regarding group promotions. In response to theconsumer selecting group discussion selection 1602, the consumer may beprovided with a listing of group promotions to which the consumer is amember.

FIG. 17 shows an example group promotion membership display 1700, inaccordance with some embodiments. Group promotion membership display1700 may be an example of a user interface provided to the secondconsumer device, such as in response to the second consumer selectinggroup discussion selection 1602 in consumer application home display1600. Group promotion listing 1700 may include a display of selectablegroup promotions to which the second consumer is a member, such as grouppromotion 1704.

FIG. 25 shows an example notification display 2500, in accordance withsome embodiments. Notification display 2500 may be an example of a userinterface provided to the second consumer device, such as in response tothe second consumer selecting group discussion selection 1602 inconsumer application home display 1600.

Notification display 2500 may include a display of selectable grouppromotions to which the second consumer is a member, such as grouppromotion 2502. In some embodiments, notification display 2500 mayinclude other types of notifications. For example, notification display2500 may include social network notifications such as friend/followrequest 2504, friend status update 2506, gift-related update and/ormessage 2508, merchant activity update 2510, rewards tracking update2512 (e.g., for the consumer and/or another consumer), and/or promotionstatus update 2506. For example, promotion status update 2506 mayindicate that a promotion purchased by the consumer has an upcomingredemption date deadline. The group promotion status/discussion updatesmay be integrated with other types of notifications to provide consumerswith a single, convenient interface for various interactions,discussions, and notifications.

FIG. 18 shows an example group discussion interface (e.g., a “grouppromotion event interface”) 1800, in accordance with some embodiments.Server 110 may be configured to provide group discussion interface 1800to consumer devices, such as in response to a consumer selecting a grouppromotion in group promotion listing 1700 and/or notification display2500, among other things. A group promotion event interface may providefor increased interoperability between different types of consumerdevices. For example, different types of consumer devices and/or accesschannels (e.g., mobile application, web browser application, etc.) maygenerate consumer inputs that can be shared within the group discussioninterface. Furthermore, the group promotion event interface may providefor increased efficiency in terms of consumer device inputs required forfunctionality such as group planning, redemption time polling, amongother things. Group discussion interface 1800 may include a texting,messaging and/or chat room type interface for receiving consumerdiscussion messages. For example, a consumer may provide a message atmessage input 1802, which may be provided (e.g., in a chronologicalorder) to other consumers of the consumer group for the group promotionvia message feed 1804. Here, consumers may plan, organize, debate, orotherwise discuss the group promotion and/or any other topic related tothe group promotion (e.g., group redemption times and/or consumeravailability, among other things).

In some embodiments, changes in the status of the group promotion may beprovided to group discussion interface 1800. For example, message feed1806 may include news items or other updates, such as purchase message1806 indicating that a consumer has purchased the promotion. Otherexample items that may be displayed on message feed 1806 and/or groupdiscussion interface 1800 may include updates indicating that a consumerhas agreed to purchase the group promotion, the (e.g., updated) groupsale count and/or the group sale threshold, the progress to meeting thegroup sale threshold (e.g., as shown at 1808), the group redemptiontime, proposed redemption times, proposed redemption time pollingresults, and/or among other things.

In some embodiments, the (e.g., second) consumer device may beconfigured to allow the user to specify notification settings for aparticular group promotion/discussion and/or for grouppromotions/discussions in general. For example, in response to selectingsettings button 1812 in group discussion interface 1800, the consumerdevice may be configured to provide an interface for allowing theconsumer to leave a group promotion/discussion, mute a grouppromotion/discussion (e.g., turn off group discussion status changenotifications, pop-ups and/or other indicators), among other things.

FIG. 26 shows an example group discussion interface (e.g., a “grouppromotion event interface”) 2600, in accordance with some embodiments.Some or all of the description above with respect to group discussioninterface 1800 may be applicable to group discussion interface 2600. Forexample, changes in the status of the group promotion may be provided togroup discussion interface 2600. For example, message feed 2602 mayinclude news items, discussions, and/or other updates.

In the depicted embodiment, message feed 2602 comprises a group purchasemessage 2604 that includes a promotion description 2604 a, a group salethreshold 2604 b (e.g., take additional 15% off if 3 of your friendbuy), and a group sale count 2604 c (e.g., only one of the three neededfriends have purchased). The depicted group sale count 2404 c embodies agraphical display. For example, each user or friend that has acceptedand/or purchased the group promotion may be represented by a differenticon/image (e.g., the dark icon) than each user that has not yetaccepted and/or purchased the group promotion (e.g., the light greyicons).

Group discussion interface 2600 may include a message input 2606. Thediscussion above regarding message input 1802 of group discussioninterface 1800 may be applicable to message input 2606. In someembodiments, in response to the consumer selecting expanded messageinput button 2608, the consumer may be allowed to provide various (e.g.,non-text) data via the expanded message input display shown in FIG. 27to group discussion interface 2600. The content provided by the consumervia message input 2606 may be displayed for other group members withinmessage feed 2602.

FIG. 27 shows an example expanded message input display 2700 (e.g., asinitiated by the expanded message input button 2608 of FIG. 26), inaccordance with some embodiments. Expanded message input display 2700may provide an interface that allows the user to accept/purchase thegroup promotion (e.g., via selection of buy promotion button 2702)and/or add content (e.g., video, images, music, etc.) to the grouppromotion discussion. Here, expanded message input display 2700 may beprovided as a separate display from group discussion interface 2600and/or may be provided within group discussion interface 2600 (e.g., inplace of message input 2606).

Expanded message input display 2700 may include add video button 2604and/or add image buttons 2706 and/or 2708. In response to selectingthese buttons, the consumer may be prompted to provide a file (e.g.,stored in the consumer device memory) and/or a reference to a file(e.g., stored in the consumer device memory or remotely) for inclusionwithin the message. The consumer may further enter text within textinput 2710. Subsequent to entering the desired data, the contentprovided by the consumer may be sent to the central system in responseto the consumer selecting send button 2712. In some embodiments, thecentral system may be configured to provide the submitted content to agroup discussion interface. The content may be included as referencesand/or may be embedded within the message feed. In some embodiments,other types of data and/or user-provided content may also be includedwithin a message and shared with other consumers within group discussioninterface 1800 and/or 2600.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to send the impressiondirectly using consumer contact data (e.g., email, telephone number,etc.) provided by the first consumer, such as by using a suitablecommunication channel for the consumer contact data. In someembodiments, server 110 may be configured to determine that the consumercontact data is not associated with a known consumer account, and inresponse, may be configured to provide the impression using the consumercontact data. In that sense, consumers that do not have consumeraccounts may be added to a consumer group for a group promotion.Additionally and/or alternatively, such consumers may be furtherincentivized by the group promotion and/or group discount to create aconsumer account. For example, server 110 may be configured to requireunregistered consumers to create a consumer account before participatingin the group promotion (e.g., participating in a discussion, poll, grouppromotion purchase, and/or agreement to purchase the group promotion).

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to use any othersuitable communication channel for sharing the group promotion, such asemail, instant message, social networking system, the on-demand grouppromotion service, a user interface provided by server 110, or the like.For example, where email is used, server 110 may be configured toreceive the group promotion data in the form of email addresses. In someembodiments, the group promotion data received from the first consumerto define the consumer group may include one or more different forms ofconsumer contact information and server 110 may be further configured toprovide the impression of the promotion to the consumer group using oneor more different communication channels as suitable for the consumercontact information (e.g., email channel for an email address, SMS textfor a telephone number, etc.).

FIG. 19 shows an example of a text message 1900, in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to sendan SMS text message and/or other text message notification to the secondconsumer device using a telephone number (e.g., as provided by the firstconsumer). For example, text message 1900 may include message 1902(e.g., the message provided by the first consumer in message entry 1306shown in FIG. 13) and reference 1904 (e.g., a hyperlink) to animpression of the group promotion

FIG. 20 shows an example impression 2000, in accordance with someembodiments. Impression 2000 may be accessed by selecting reference 1904in text message 1900, which in some embodiments, may cause the secondconsumer device to launch a web browser and/or consumer application toaccess impression 2000. Impression 2000 may include promotion 2002indicating promotion data about the promotion. The second consumer maybe allowed to take further action, such as by logging in and/or creatinga consumer account using sign in/up selection 2004. In some embodiments,the consumer may be allowed to access a consumer account via a thirdparty account provided by a third party system (e.g., a socialnetworking system). For example, in response to the second consumerselecting third party account login 2006, the second consumer may beallowed to access a consumer account or a placeholder consumer accountusing third party login data.

FIG. 21 shows an example group discussion interface (e.g., a “grouppromotion event interface”) 2100, in accordance with some embodiments.The discussion above regarding group discussion interface 1800 may beapplicable to group discussion interface 2100. However, group discussioninterface 2100 is shown as being accessed by a web browser whereas groupdiscussion interface 1800 is shown as being accessed by a consumerapplication. In general, any suitable interface and/or communicationchannels for providing a group discussion may be used. For example, thegroup discussion interface may be part of a social networking systemwall, newsfeed, timeline, or the like. In another example, consumers maybe allowed to discuss group promotions directly using SMS text messages.In some embodiments, various consumers can use different communicationschannels. Server 110 may be configured to aggregate communications fromeach channel and/or provide the communications to the consumer groupusing different channels as may be suitable for different consumers.

FIG. 22 shows an example impression 2200, in accordance with someembodiments. Impression 2200 illustrates some of the other grouppromotion data that may be included in an impression. For example,impression 2200 may include promotion 2202, promotion description 2204,group sale threshold 2206, group discount 2208 (e.g., as discussed infurther detail below in connection with FIG. 4), consumer groupmembership 2210, group sale count 2212 (e.g., as discussed in furtherdetail below in connection with FIG. 4). In some embodiments, impression2200 may further include the group redemption time, one or more proposedgroup redemption times, a group redemption time poll, group redemptiontime poll results and/or other data related to the discussion, purchase,and/or redemption of the group promotion.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be further configured to provide theimpression via a social networking system (e.g., provided by system 102and/or a third party system). With reference to group promotion creationdisplay 1100 shown in FIG. 11, for example, the first consumer mayselect social networking system share selection 1110. In response to thefirst consumer selecting “ON” for social networking system shareselection 1110, server 110 may be configured to post the impressionand/or a reference to the impression to first consumer's socialnetworking feed, newsfeed, timeline, profile page, and/or among otherthings. Returning to FIG. 3, Method 300 may then end at 314.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a method 400 for providing a group discountof a group promotion, in accordance with some embodiments. Method 400 isdescribed as being performed by system 102 (e.g., server 110), however,other suitable structures (e.g., one or more servers, a networkeddevice, hardware, software, firmware, circuitry, etc.) may also be usedin various embodiments. In some embodiments, method 400 may be performedafter method 300, such as after the impression of the promotion is sentto one or more consumer devices (e.g., the second consumer device asdiscussed in method 300) associated with the consumer accounts definedby the consumer group.

Method 400 may begin at 402 and proceed to 404, where server 110 may beconfigured to determine a group sale count indicating a number of theconsumers of the consumer group that has purchased and/or agreed topurchase the group promotion. For example, the group sale count maybegin at 1 (e.g., for the first consumer if the first consumer haspurchased the group promotion and/or agreed to purchase the grouppromotion) and may be incremented each time a unique consumer of theconsumer group purchases and/or agrees to purchase the group promotion.In that sense, server 110 may be configured to track purchases of thegroup promotion by members of the consumer group.

In some embodiments, only consumers that actually purchase the grouppromotion may contribute to the group sale count. In other embodiments,consumers that agree to purchase the group promotion (e.g., but are notyet charged) may additionally and/or alternatively contribute to thegroup sale count. In general, the type of consumer activity thatcontributes to the group sale count may be based on the type of activityspecified for exceeding the group sale threshold.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide a userinterface to consumer devices for purchase and/or acceptance of thegroup promotion. For example, the impression, message, and/ornotification indicating the group promotion sent to the second consumerdevice at 312 of method 300 may include the user interface and/or areference to the user interface. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 21, groupdiscussion interfaces 1800 and 2100 may respectively include buyselection 1810 and buy selection 2102. In another example shown in FIG.22, impression 2200 may include buy selection 2214.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be further configured to determine apurchase price for the promotion. The purchase price, for example, maybe determined based on the promotion data of the promotion, such aspromotion data received from merchant device 108. In some embodiments,the purchase price may represent a discount defined by the promotionwhen the promotion is purchased on an individual basis, such as adiscount from the regular price (e.g., the retail, standard, and/orotherwise non-discounted price) of a good, service and/or experiencedefined by the promotion. Server 110 may be further configured toprovide the group promotion for the purchase price and determine thegroup sale count indicating the number of the consumers (e.g., of theconsumer group) that has purchased the group promotion for the purchaseprice.

At 406, server 110 may be configured to determine whether the group salecount exceeds the group sale threshold for the group promotion. Forexample, the group sale threshold may be determined as discussed at 310of method 300. Also discussed above, the group sale count may beincremented each time the group promotion is purchased by a consumer ofthe group consumer and/or a unique consumer of the group consumer.Furthermore, server 110 may be configured to monitor group promotionsand their group sale counts to take appropriate action upon the groupsale count of a group promotion exceeding the group sale threshold, suchas by providing a status update for the group promotion via a discussioninterface and/or other message to consumers.

In some embodiments, the user interface for purchase and/or acceptanceof the group promotion may indicate a progress of the group sale countrelative to the group sale threshold. For example, a message may include“you are the final purchaser required for the entire group to get adiscount,” indicating that the group sale count is one purchase awayfrom the group sale threshold. The indication of progress and/or messagemay be provided within a group promotion landing webpage, an impressionof the promotion, a shopping cart interface and/or a checkout interface.In that sense, a consumer may be tempted to purchase a group promotionto help other group members receive the group discount.

In some embodiments, consumers may be provided with a limited timeperiod in which to purchase and/or agree to purchase the grouppromotion. Here, the determination at 406 may be performed upon lapse ofthe limited time period.

In response to determining that that the group sale count fails toexceed the group sale threshold, method 400 may return to 404, whereserver 110 may be configured to continue monitoring the purchases ofand/or agreements to purchase the promotion by consumers of the consumerand increment the group sale count when appropriate. [00127] In responseto determining that that the group sale count exceeds the group salethreshold, method 400 may proceed to 408, where server 110 may beconfigured to associate a group discount with each of the plurality ofconsumer accounts. The group discount may represent an additionaldiscount to incentivize consumers to purchase the promotion as a group.In that sense, the group discount may be applied to the purchase pricefor the promotion, which as discussed above, may itself represent adiscount from the regular price of the good, service and/or experiencedefined by the promotion.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide a groupsale threshold satisfaction notification. For example, the notificationmay be provided to a group promotion event interface and/or a messagefeed.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to determine the groupdiscount value may be received as promotion data, such as from merchantdevice 108 of a merchant providing the promotion defined by thepromotion data. In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured todetermine the group discount and/or group discount value based on thegroup promotion data received from a consumer device (e.g., at 306 ofmethod 300) and/or generated by server 110. For example, the groupdiscount may be determined based on the group sale count and/or groupsale threshold. For example, a larger group discount may be determinedfor larger group sale counts and/or group sale thresholds to encouragemore consumers to purchase the group promotion. Additionally and/oralternatively, different consumers and/or their consumer accounts may beassociated with different group discounts. For example, the firstconsumer that creates the group promotion may be awarded with a largergroup discount than other consumers who only purchase and/or accept thepromotion. In another example, the group discount may depend on thepurchase order of the consumer or the timing of the purchase. Forexample, earlier purchasers may be associated with a larger groupdiscount to encourage early purchase, discussion, polling, among otherthings.

At 410, server 110 may be configure to determine at least one purchasedconsumer account of the plurality of consumer accounts of a consumerthat has purchased the group promotion. For example, each consumer ofthe consumer group that has purchased the group promotion may bedetermined to be associated with a purchased consumer account.

At 412, server 110 may be configured to provide the group discount as acredit and/or refund for at least a portion of a purchase price for thepromotion to the at least one purchased consumer account. For example,the consumer may have purchased the group promotion for the (e.g.,non-group-discounted) purchase price of the promotion prior to the groupsale count exceeding the group sale threshold. Here, one or more of thepurchasing consumers may be awarded at least a portion of the purchaseprice of the underlying promotion, as defined by the group discount.

In some embodiments, the group discount or some portion thereof may beprovided as a credit to a consumer account. For example, after awardingthe credit to the consumer account, server 118 may be configured toaccept the credit toward at least a portion of a future promotion and/orgroup promotion purchase. Alternatively and/or additionally, the groupdiscount or some portion thereof may be provided as a refund, such as amonetary value for at least a portion of the purchase price of theunderlying promotion, as defined by the group discount. In someembodiments, the group discount or some portion thereof may be providedin the form of a reward, prize, a second promotion, and/or otherincentive value.

At 414, server 110 may be configured to determine at least oneunpurchased consumer account of the plurality of consumer accounts of aconsumer that has failed to purchase the group promotion. For example, aconsumer may be determined to be associated with an unpurchased consumeraccount after failing to purchase the group promotion, such as by merelyagreeing to purchase the group promotion and/or by otherwise notpurchasing the group promotion.

At 416, server 110 may be configured to provide the group discount as adiscounted purchase price for the group promotion to the at least oneunpurchased consumer account. For example, in some embodiments, server110 may be configured to associate the group discount with each of theplurality of consumer accounts of the consumer group at 408, includingthose consumer accounts that have yet to purchase the group promotionand/or agree to purchase the group promotion when the group sale countexceeded the group sale threshold (e.g., as determined at 408). Here,rather than providing a credit, refund, or the like after charging thepurchase price of the underlying promotion, the unpurchased consumersmay be allowed to purchase the group promotion for the discountedpurchase price because the consumer group has successfully exceeded thegroup sale threshold.

In some embodiments, such as when the group sale count and group salethreshold are based on consumers that agree to purchase the grouppromotion, and when the group sale threshold is exceeded by the groupsale count, each consumer that agreed to purchase the group promotionmay be automatically charged (e.g., via a credit card account or otherfinancial account) the discounted purchase price of the group promotion.Method 400 may then end at 412.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a method 500 for determining a groupredemption time based on a poll, in accordance with some embodiments.Method 500 is described as being performed by system 102 (e.g., server110), however, other suitable structures (e.g., one or more servers, anetworked device, hardware, software, firmware, circuitry, etc.) mayalso be used in various embodiments.

Method 500 may begin at 502 and proceed to 504, where server 110 may beconfigured to provide an impression of a group promotion to a secondconsumer device associated with a second consumer account of theplurality of consumer accounts, the impression including a userinterface for discussing the group promotion and one or more proposedgroup redemption times. The discussion at 306 of method 300 may beapplicable at 504. For example, server 110 may be configured to receivethe one or more proposed redemption times from the first consumer deviceas a portion of the group promotion data. Additionally and/oralternatively, the impression including the one or more proposedredemption times may be provided in response to the first consumerinitiating a poll, such as by selecting poll selection 1106 in grouppromotion creation display 1100. In some embodiments, the discussion at312 of method 300 may also be applicable at 504.

FIG. 23 shows an example group discussion interface (e.g., a “grouppromotion event interface”) 2300, in accordance with some embodiments.The discussion above regarding group discussion interfaces 1800 and/or2100 may be applicable to group discussion interface 2300. For example,group discussion interface 2300 may be provided to consumer devicesassociated with consumers of the consumer group. Group discussioninterface 2300 may further include group redemption time poll selection2302, configured to allow the consumers to vote on the one or moreproposed redemption times provided by the first consumer (e.g., at 306of method 300).

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to facilitate planningof a group event or activity. For example, one or more consumers of theconsumer group (e.g., the first consumer) may be determined to be agroup administrator or leader. The first consumer that defines the grouppromotion may be given administrator status by default and/or may beallowed to designate other consumers as administrators. The groupadministrator(s) may be allowed to add consumers to the consumer group,remove consumers from the consumer group, cancel the group promotion,update the group redemption time and/or a proposed group redemptiontime, change the group sale threshold, among other things.

At 506, server 110 may be configured to receive redemption time datafrom the second consumer device indicating availability of the secondconsumer for the one or more proposed group redemption times. FIG. 24shows an example polling interface 2400, in accordance with someembodiments. Polling interface 2400 may be provided to a consumer devicein response to a consumer selecting group redemption time poll selection2302 in group discussion interface 2300. Via polling interface 2400, thesecond consumer may be allowed to generate the redemption time dataindicating which of the one or more proposed group redemption times areavailable for the second consumer. For example, polling interface 2400shows that Friday, May 17 selection 2402 has been selected to indicateavailability and Friday, May 24 selection 2404 has been unselected toindicate unavailability. In some embodiments, the second user may alsobe allowed to rank the one or more proposed group redemption times,which may also be provided to server 110 as part of the redemption timedata. In response to the second consumer selecting send redemption dataselection, the second consumer device may be configured to send theredemption data to server 110.

At 508, server 110 may be configured to determine the group redemptiontime for the group promotion based at least in part on the redemptiontime data. For example, server 110 may be configured to determine thegroup redemption time as a time that best fits the consumer group asdetermined by the redemption time data received from the consumers ofthe consumer group.

In some embodiments, such as when the consumers have ranked the one ormore proposed redemption times, server 110 may be configured toprogrammatically determine the proposed redemption time by generating agroup redemption time score for each proposed group redemption timebased on the rankings. For example, in a consumer group of fourconsumers and for four proposed group redemption times, the redemptiontime data may indicate the following:

Consumer 1 (organizer):

-   -   1: January 24, 7:30    -   2: January 24, 8:30    -   3: January 26, 2:15    -   4: January 26, 8:30

Consumer 2:

-   -   1: January 24, 7:30    -   2: January 26, 8:30    -   3: January 26, 2:15    -   4: January 24, 8:30

Consumer 3:

-   -   1: January 26, 2:15    -   2: January 24, 8:30    -   3: January 26, 8:30    -   Cannot attend: January 24, 7:30

Consumer 4:

-   -   1: January 24, 8:30    -   2: January 26, 8.30    -   Cannot attend: January 24, 7:30, January 26, 2:15

Here, for example, the consumer 1 (e.g., the first consumer) hasindicated that the January 24, 7:30 redemption time is the mostpreferred redemption time for the first consumer (e.g., rank=1), theJanuary 24, 8:30 redemption time as the second most preferred redemptiontime (e.g., rank=1), the January 26, 2:15 redemption time as the thirdmost preferred redemption time (e.g., rank=3), and so forth. Consumer 4(e.g., a second consumer) has indicated that the January 24, 7:30 andJanuary 26, 2:16 redemption times are unavailable. Here, the rank may bedetermined as 1+(the number of total proposed redemption times). Forexample, because there are 4 total proposed redemption times, the rankfor an unavailable indication may be determined as 5.

In some embodiments, the group redemption time score S for each proposedgroup redemption time T may be given by Equation 1:

S(T)=E _(n) ^(m)__(i)rank(T,n)/M,

where rank(T, n) is the rank for the nth consumer of the consumer groupfor proposed redemption time T, and M is the total number of consumers(e.g., that have provided redemption time data) of the consumer group.

Applying Equation 1 to the example redemption time data above, forexample, the group redemption scores for each group may be determinedas:

S(January 24, 7:30)=(1+1+5+5)/4=3

S(January 24, 8:30)=(2+4+2+5)/4=3.25

S(January 26, 2:15)=(3+3+1+5)/4=3

S(January 26, 8:30)=(4+2+3+2)/4=2.75

Here, the January 26, 8:30 group redemption time may be determined asthe group redemption time because it includes the best (e.g., lowestvalued) group redemption time score S(T).

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to determine the groupredemption time by optimizing for maximum number of available consumersand then the best group redemption time score. For example, the groupredemption time scores and availability may be determined from theredemption time data discussed above as:

S(January 24, 7:30)=(1+1+5+5)/4=3; 2 of 4 consumers available

S(January 24, 8:30)=(2+4+2+5)/4=3.25; all 4 consumers available

S(January 26, 2:15)=(3+3+1+5)/4=3; 3 of 4 consumers available

S(January 26, 8:30)=(4+2+3+2)/4=2.75; all 4 consumers available

Here, the January 24, 8:30 and January 26, 8:30 proposed groupredemption times may be first selected as viable candidates because theyinclude the maximum number of available consumers. Next, the best groupredemption time score among the selected proposed group redemption timesmay be determined as the group redemption time. For example, the January26, 8:30 proposed group redemption time (S=2.75) may be selected overthe January 24, 8:30 group redemption time (S=3.25) based on the groupredemption time scores.

In some embodiments, where the analysis above results in a tie betweentwo or more proposed group redemption times, server 110 may beconfigured to select the group redemption time based on thehighest-ranking time for the first consumer (e.g., the organizer) amongthe two or more proposed group redemptions.

In some embodiments, if a determined group redemption time isunavailable for the merchant (e.g., no reservations available), then oneor more proposed redemption times list may be traversed (e.g., in rankedorder) until the highest ranking group redemption time (e.g., thatexceeds the group sale threshold) may be selected as the groupredemption time. In that sense, server 110 may be further configured tocommunicate with a merchant device and/or merchant system (e.g.,merchant device 108) to determine available reservation times for themerchant.

At 510, server 110 may be configured to provide the group redemptiontime to the second consumer device. For example, the determined groupredemption time may be provided to consumer devices associated with eachconsumer of the consumer group. In some embodiments, the groupredemption time may be provided via a group discussion interface (e.g.,group discussion interfaces 1800, 2100, and/or 2300), such as within amessage feed 1806 shown in FIG. 18.

At 512, server 110 may be configured to provide the group redemptiontime to a merchant device for reservation. For example, the groupredemption time may be provided to merchant device 108 via network 104shown in FIG. 1. Merchant device 108 may be further configured toschedule a reservation for the consumer group at the group redemptiontime. In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide anyadditional information suitable in creating the reservation. Forexample, server 110 may provide the number of consumers that willattend, various consumer preferences, special accommodations, and/oramong other things.

In some embodiments, a group discussion interface may be locked (e.g.,from future updates and/or messages), removed from a user's listingand/or notifications, moved to the bottom of the listing and/ornotifications, otherwise displayed less prominently, and/or otherwiseset to a completed status subsequent to lapse of the group redemptiontime. Alternatively, the group discussion interface may be configured topersist (e.g., fully or for only limited types of consumer interactions)subsequent to lapse of the group redemption time. For example, the groupdiscussion interface may be configured to allow group discussion for apredetermined time following the group redemption time or groupredemption event (e.g., after the group participated in the purchasedpromotion), upon lapse of a predetermined time without a message feedupdate, upon receiving an instruction from a consumer device and/ormerchant device, and/or combinations thereof. In embodiments where agroup discussion interface may persist subsequent to redemption,consumers may be allowed to use the group discussion interface forpost-promotion discussion, promotion reviews, like indications, surveysand/or ratings, among other things. Method 500 may then proceed to 514and end.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a method 600 for providing a group promotionto a consumer group based on a group promotion identifier, in accordancewith some embodiments. For example, a group promotion may be associatedwith a group promotion identifier and the group promotion identifier maybe used to exchange group promotion related information betweennetworked consumer devices. The group promotion identifier provides atechnical solution to the efficient association of data received fromconsumer devices, which is particularly advantageous when the system isconnected with numerous consumer devices and processing group promotiondata for numerous consumer groups in parallel. Method 600 is describedas being performed by system 102 (e.g., server 110), however, othersuitable structures (e.g., one or more servers, a networked device,hardware, software, firmware, circuitry, etc.) may also be used invarious embodiments.

Method 600 may being at 602 and proceed to 604, where server 110 may beconfigured to receive group promotion data indicating a group promotionfrom the first consumer device associated with the first consumerdevice. The discussion at 306 of method 300 may be applicable at 604.The group promotion data may, but does not necessarily, indicate otherconsumers to be included within the consumer group. Server 110 may befurther configured to associate the promotion with the first consumeraccount of the first consumer such that the first consumer is added tothe consumer group.

At 606, server 110 may be configured to determine a group sale thresholdfor the group promotion. The discussion at 310 of method 300 may beapplicable at 606, and is not repeated to avoid unnecessarilyovercomplicating the disclosure. Furthermore, the group sale thresholdmay indicate a number of purchases of the promotion that must beexceeded by consumers that provide the group promotion identifier(discussed in further detail below) in connection with a purchase of thepromotion before a group discount and/or other incentive may be awarded

At 608, server 110 may be configured to determine a group promotionidentifier for the group promotion. The group promotion identifier mayinclude a token, code, key, and/or other data that uniquely identifiesthe group promotion. In some embodiments, the group promotion identifiermay at least partially include random or pseudorandom code, such as maybe generated by server 110. Furthermore, in some embodiments, thepromotion (e.g., as defined by promotion data) and other data discussedherein associated with the promotion (e.g., the group promotion data)may be associated via the group promotion identifier.

At 610, server 110 may be configured to provide the group promotionidentifier to consumers. In some embodiments, server 110 may provide thegroup promotion identifier to the first consumer device. The firstconsumer device may then be configured to share the group promotionidentifier with other consumer devices associated with other consumers.For example, the group promotion identifier may be associated with animpression sent from the first consumer device to a second consumerdevice.

In some embodiments, the group promotion identifier may be provided viaan email message, such as by being included within the message and/orvia a reference within the email message. The consumer may share thegroup identifier at any time by accessing the email message. In thatsense, the number and selection of consumers that are offered a grouppromotion is not necessarily predefined (e.g., at the creation of thegroup promotion).

The group promotion and/or group promotion identifier may be shared by aconsumer using any suitable communication channel including email, text,mobile application, webpage, online social networking, among otherthings. In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide aninterface that facilitates sharing via one or more communicationchannels. For example, in response to the consumer selecting socialnetwork share button 1310 in group promotion creation display 1100 ofFIG. 13, server 110 may be configured to provide an impression of thegroup promotion to a profile, newsfeed, board, timeline, etc. of anonline social network.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide the grouppromotion identifier to a second consumer device associated with asecond consumer, such as in connection with the impression of thepromotion as discussed at 312 of method 300. Here, the group promotiondata received at 604 may indicate one or more other consumers includingthe second consumer and/or consumer contact information for the one ormore other consumers. In some embodiments, the consumer that created thegroup promotion, and/or a consumer that later joins the group promotion,may be allowed to specify consumers that are to receive the grouppromotion identifier and/or otherwise access the group promotion.

At 612, server 110 may be configured to receive the group promotionidentifier in connection with a purchase (and/or acceptance) of thegroup promotion from a second consumer device associated with a secondconsumer account and/or second consumer. For example, server 110 may beconfigured to provide a user interface for purchase of the grouppromotion that is further configured to receive the group promotionidentifier. Where a valid group promotion identifier is not received,the purchase of the promotion may be treated as a regular purchaseseparate from a group promotion. In some embodiments, receiving grouppromotion identifier may include server 110 being configured to receivean indication from the second consumer device that the second consumeris interested is joining the group promotion identified by the grouppromotion identifier. In another example, such as where the consumergroup is predefined, server 110 may be configured to authenticate theconsumer and/or otherwise confirm consumer membership to the consumergroup based on the group promotion identifier.

At 614, server 110 may be configured to associate the group promotionwith the second consumer account. For example, the second consumer maybe added to the consumer group. In some embodiments, the group promotionidentifier may be received in connection with consumer account creationinstead of, or in addition to, purchase of the promotion, such as whenthe second consumer is a new user. Here, server 110 may be configured toassociate the promotion with the second consumer account after consumeraccount creation, such that the second consumer may be added to theconsumer group even when the second consumer has not purchased or hasnot yet purchased the group promotion.

At 616, server 110 may be configured to increment the group sale countafter the second consumer account and/or second consumer has purchased(and/or agreed to purchase) the group promotion. The discussion at 404of method 400 may be applicable at 616, and is not repeated to avoidunnecessarily overcomplicating the disclosure.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to determine a maximumconsumer amount defining a maximum number of consumers that may beallowed to join a group promotion. For example, where the first consumerthat creates the promotion is allowed to share the group promotionidentifier and/or otherwise advertise the group promotion, the maximumconsumer amount for a group promotion may better allow merchants tocontrol customer flow and to prevent commercial misuse. In someembodiments, a maximum consumer amount may define a total number ofconsumers that may join a group promotion associated with a particularpromotion. For example, regardless of how the total number of consumersis grouped with each other, server 110 may be configured to place a capon the number of group promotions and associated group discountsavailable.

In some embodiments, consumers that purchase a group promotion may betracked and compared with the maximum consumer amount. When the maximumconsumer amount has been exhausted by consumer purchases, the grouppromotion may become unavailable. In some embodiments, server 110 may beconfigured to reserve one or more instances of a promotion for non-groupbuying use. Here, when the maximum consumer amount for a promotion isexhausted, references to group buying and the interfaces discussedherein related to group buying may be omitted and/or removed fromimpressions indicating the promotion. Method 600 may then end at 618.

FIG. 28 shows an example of a method 2800 for providing a grouppromotion as part of a primary purchase path of a consumer device userinterface, in accordance with some embodiments. Method 2800 mayadvantageously provide for robust consumer grouping via networkedconsumer device interactions, such as without requiring predefinition ofgroup membership (e.g., via the use of an electronic reference and/orgroup promotion identifier) and/or other additional grouppromotion-related consumer device inputs during purchase of thepromotion (e.g., via a primary purchase path as discussed in greaterdetail below). Advantageously, consumers without preexisting consumeraccounts with the system can be subsequently added to the consumer group(e.g., with or without a registration or consumer account creation).

Method 2800 may begin at 2802 and proceed to 2804, where server 101 maybe configured to provide, via a network (e.g., network 104), a consumerinterface including a promotion display with an interactive buy buttonto the consumer device. FIG. 29 shows an example of a promotion display2900 in accordance with some embodiments. The discussion above regardingpromotion displays, such as promotion display 800 shown in FIG. 8 may beapplicable at 2804 and to promotion display 2900.

Buy selection 2904 may be prominently displayed to indicate the primarypurchase path within the user interface of the consumer device. Forexample, the increased font size and green on black contrast with thesurrounding background for buy button 2904, as well as its placementwithin promotion display 2900 with promotion information 2902 isdesigned to clearly indicate to the consumer that buy button 2904 can beused to purchase the promotion.

Rather than providing a link to purchase the promotion on an individualbasis as discussed above, however, server 110 may be configured suchthat consumer selection of buy button 2904 initiates a primary purchasepath resulting in creation of a group promotion in addition (oralternative) to the purchase of the promotion on an individual basis(e.g., as discussed above in response to the consumer selecting buybutton 802 within promotion display 800). Because creation of the grouppromotion is now tied to the primary purchase path and buy button 2904,non-primary purchase path selections such as group promotion selection804 (e.g., used to initiate a purchase of the promotion as a grouppromotion) in promotion display 800 may be omitted from promotiondisplay 2900. In some embodiments, buy selection 2902 may be moreprominently displayed than one or more alternative purchase paths (e.g.,purchase on an individual basis) to indicate the primary purchase pathwithin the user interface of the consumer device.

In some embodiments, prior to providing the promotion display with theinteractive buy button for the primary purchase path, server 110 may beconfigured to determine whether the consumer is eligible for purchasingthe promotion as a group promotion. For example, the underlyingpromotion may be defined as ineligible based on promotion data. Inanother example, the consumer may be ineligible, such as a consumer thathas not registered or otherwise provided login data associated with avalid consumer account. In response to determining that the consumerand/or promotion is ineligible, server 110 may be configured to providea promotion display without any group buying option.

At 2806, server 110 may be configured to determine whether consumerdevice input data indicating a selection of the interactive buy buttonwithin the promotion display has been received from the consumer device.For example, buy button 2904 of promotion display 2900 may be selectedvia a consumer device input such as a touch screen input, and theselection may be transmitted to server 110 via the network.

In response to determining that consumer device input data indicating aselection of the buy button within the promotion display has beenreceived from the consumer device, method 2800 may proceed to 2808-2822,where server 110 may be configured to provide for consumer purchase ofthe promotion via the primary purchase path. Here, in addition topurchasing the promotion on an individual basis, server 110 may befurther configured to initiate a group promotion and add the consumeraccount associated with the consumer device to a consumer group for thegroup promotion.

At 2808, server 110 may be configured to provide a checkout display tothe consumer interface of the consumer device. FIG. 30 shows an exampleof a checkout display 3000 in accordance with some embodiments. Checkoutdisplay 3000 may be configured to allow the consumer to confirm purchaseof the promotion, such as by providing a consumer input indicatingselection of complete order button 3002. Checkout display 3000 may befurther configured to allow the consumer to provide payment data,authorize a payment based on stored payment data on the consumer deviceor central system, and/or otherwise accepting the promotion. Checkoutdisplay 3000 may further indicate the availability of the grouppromotion and the parameters of the group promotion, such as at grouppromotion message 3004. For example, checkout display 300 may indicate agroup sale threshold and/or a group discount. Group promotion message3004 of checkout display 3000 may further indicate that the consumerwill be refunded and/or credited with a group discount value when thegroup sale threshold has been satisfied if the consumer pays thepurchase value of the promotion (e.g., by selecting complete orderbutton 3002). In some embodiments, checkout display 3000 may furtherindicate a deadline or time limit by which the group sale threshold mustbe satisfied for the consumer group to receive the group discount (e.g.,“If you and 2 more friends buy within X hours we will refund $6 toeveryone's credit card.”).

At 2810, server 110 may be configured to complete a purchase of thepromotion at the purchase value of the promotion. As discussed above,the purchase value is the cost of purchasing the promotion on anindividual basis, and may be defined by promotion data of the promotionstored within the system (e.g., within database 112). Furthermore, aspart of the primary purchase path, server 110 may be configured tocreate a group promotion based on the purchased promotion, and toassociate the consumer account with the group promotion. As discussedabove, creating the group promotion may include generating a grouppromotion identifier and/or storing the group promotion identifier andrelated information in one or more databases 112.

At 2812, subsequent to completion of the purchase of the promotion,server 110 may be configured to provide a sharing channel display to theconsumer interface. In some embodiments, the sharing channel display mayfurther include a receipt display indicating a confirmation of thecompletion of the purchase. FIG. 31 shows an example of a sharingchannel display 3100 in accordance with some embodiments. Sharingchannel display 3100 may be configured to receive consumer inputsprovided via the consumer device indicating sharing options orcommunication channels for sharing the group promotion. Some examplecommunication channel may include email, one or more electronic socialnetworks (e.g., messages via news feeds, wall posts, etc.), textmessage, mobile device application, etc.

In some embodiments, sharing channel display may be configured toprovide a modal window in response to consumer selection of acommunication channel within sharing channel display 3100. For example,selection of the email communication channel may result in creation of amailto: link where the consumer may specify email addresses of the oneor more other consumers. In another example, selection of a socialnetwork communication channel may result in the creation of a socialnetworking modal window where the consumer may select connected friendsand/or contacts.

At 2814, server 110 may be configured to receive a selection of acommunication channel for sharing the group promotion from the consumerdevice. For example, the consumer may select one or more communicationchannels 3102, and may initiate sharing of the group promotion via theselected communication channel(s) by selecting share button 3104. Inresponse, the consumer device may be configured to transmitcommunication channel data indicating a selected communication channelto server 110 via the network.

At 2816, server 110 may be configured to create an electronic referencefor consumer device access to the group promotion. For example, theelectronic reference may be a hyperlink that can be used by a webbrowser application on consumer devices to access the group promotion(e.g., a group promotion display as discussed below, a group discussioninterface, etc.). In another example, the electronic reference may be alink to launch a mobile application that can access the group promotion.

Advantageously, the electronic reference may provide access to the grouppromotion to any networked consumer device connected with server 110,and may be configured to persist for consumer access (e.g., until thegroup promotion has been redeemed). In some embodiments, the electronicreference may alternatively or additionally provide a link to a groupdiscussion interface as discussed above, such as group discussioninterface 1800 shown in FIG. 18. In some embodiments, the electronicreference may be an example of a group promotion identifier thatuniquely identifies the group promotion.

2818, server 110 may be configured to create an impression of the grouppromotion compatible with the selected communication channel, theimpression including the electronic reference. For example, where asocial network communication channel is used, the impression may takethe form of a feed item or other social network message. The feed itemmay include group promotion data, such as promotion-specific text suchas “buy this deal with me and we can all get it for 75% off: [promotionname].” The feed item may further include an image associated with thepromotion (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 for promotion 702). In someembodiments, such as where a communication channel includesspecifications (e.g., character limit), the impression may be configuredaccordingly (e.g., shortened title, abbreviations, acronyms, etc.). Anemail impression may also include similar text and image(s), with thedata formatted for compatibility for email rather than as a socialnetworking item. For example, an email impression may include dataformatted within the subject line, body, etc. In another example, whereSMS text message is used, the text message impression may include textand/or a hyperlink, and without the associated image(s). In someembodiments, when more than a single communication channel is selected,server 110 may generate a separate impression for each selectedcommunication channel.

At 2820, server 110 may be configured to provide the impressionincluding the electronic reference to the consumer device and/or one ormore other consumer devices. In some embodiments, server 110 may beconfigured to provide the electronic reference directly to the consumerdevice for sharing with the one or more other consumers. For example,server 110 may be configured to provide the electronic reference to theconsumer via the consumer interface, or using any suitable communicationchannel as discussed herein. Once received by the consumer device, theconsumer is able to share the group promotion by sharing the electronicreference. For example, where the electronic reference is a uniformresource locator (URL) address, the consumer may copy and paste theelectronic reference to an email, text message, social networkingmessage, etc. The one or more other consumer devices that receive theelectronic reference may then use the electronic reference to access thegroup promotion.

Advantageously, server 110 is capable of facilitating the sharing of thegroup promotion without requiring that the consumer define eligibleparticipants during the primary purchase path, thereby increasingefficiency with respect to consumer input count for completing thenetworked electronic purchase and also stimulating consumerparticipation. In some embodiments, completion of the primary purchasepath may be a two-click transaction, the first being a buy selection andthe second being a confirmation selection (e.g., using stored paymentdata that does not need consumer reentry for each purchase). In anotherexample, the primary purchase path may be a three-click transaction, thefirst being the buy selection, the second being the confirm selection,and the third being a communication channel selection for sharing thegroup promotion.

In some embodiments, server 110 may alternatively or additionallyprovide the electronic reference directly to the one or more otherconsumer devices via the network. The consumer interface may beconfigured to receive consumer inputs that specify contacts or friendsfor receiving the impression and/or electronic reference. Where theselected communication channel includes an electronic social network,the server may be configured to provide the electronic reference toconsumer devices of users linked (e.g., friends, contacts, etc.) to theconsumer via the social network as a feed item or other socialnetworking message. In another example, as discussed above, the consumermay be allowed to specify contacts that are otherwise unaffiliated withany consumer account or social networking account, such as based on aphone number, email address, etc. In some embodiments, server 110 mayalternatively or additionally provide the electronic reference to theone or more other consumer devices via a third party system, such as athird party social networking system when a social networking systemcommunication channel is used.

At 2822, server 110 may be configured to provide promotion purchaseconfirmation and group promotion initiation communication to theconsumer device via the network. The promotion purchase confirmation andgroup promotion initiation communication may be sent using one or moresuitable communication channels (e.g., email, text message, mobileapplication alert/message, etc.), and may be sent as separate messagesor combined within a single message. The promotion purchase confirmationmay indicate the successful completion of the purchase of the promotionon an individual basis. The group promotion initiation communication mayindicate that a group promotion based on the purchased promotion hasbeen initiated and that the consumer has been added to the consumergroup associated with the group promotion.

In some embodiments, the group promotion initiation communication mayfurther include group promotion data. For example, the group promotiondata may include the group discount, the group sale threshold, a timeframe or deadline for an eligible purchase toward the group sale count(where applicable), etc. The group promotion display may include aheader such as “Share with Friends to Receive your $6” and more detailedtext such as “you've completed your order, but you're not done yet.Share the link below with your friends. If 3 buy within 72 hours we willrefund $6 to everyone's credit card.” The group promotion initiationcommunication may include the electronic reference, which may allow theconsumer to view the progress of the group buying session, such as via agroup promotion display and/or a group promotion discussion interface.In some embodiments, the group promotion initiation communication (orother display) may further include a disband group button (e.g., “I'mdone sharing”) which allows the consumer to cancel the group promotionand purchase the underlying promotion on an individual basis only.

Returning to 2806, in response to determining that consumer device inputdata indicating a selection of the buy button within the promotiondisplay has not been received from the consumer device, method 2800 mayproceed to 2824, where server 110 may be configured to initiate asecondary purchase path. For example, the secondary purchase path mayinclude purchase the primary on an individual basis. Furthermore, agroup promotion is not initiated, and the purchasing consumer is notincluded for membership within a consumer group for the group promotion.In some embodiments, the primary purchase path may include purchase ofthe promotion on an individual basis only and may be associated with atop button or most prominently displayed button of the consumerinterface (e.g., promotion display 800), while creation of the grouppromotion may be a secondary action associated with a lower button orless prominently displayed button of the consumer interface. Method 2800may then proceed to 2826 and end.

FIG. 32 shows an example of a method 3200 for providing a grouppromotion to a consumer group based on an electronic reference inaccordance with some embodiments. As discussed in greater detail below,the use of the electronic reference may provide consumers with access tothe group promotion without requiring consumers to register or otherwiseaccess a consumer account. In some embodiments, the processes associatedwith adding additional consumers to the consumer group may be leveragedto expedite a consumer account registration process, thereby improvingthe efficiency of networked-based consumer device registrationtechniques.

Method 3200 may begin at 3202 and proceed to 3204, where server 110 maybe configured to provide, via a network (e.g., network 104), animpression including an electronic reference to a consumer device foraccess to an ungated group promotion display. The discussion at 2820 ofmethod 2800 may be applicable at 3204. For example, the consumer devicemay receive the impression and/or the electronic reference directly fromserver 110, from the consumer device that completed the initial primarypurchase path, or from a third party system (e.g., a third party socialnetworking system).

The consumer device may be the first consumer device that completed theprimary purchase path, or alternatively, may be a subsequent consumerdevice associated with a second consumer that has yet to join thepromotion group. The impression may be provided via any suitablecommunication channel, including a communication channel as indicated byconsumer device via the sharing channel display. An “ungated grouppromotion display,” as used herein, refers to a group promotion displaythat can be accessed without requiring consumer login or a consumeraccount. As such, any consumer device capable of using the electronicreference (e.g., with a web browser) may access the ungated grouppromotion display, even when the consumer device is unassociated with aconsumer account. Advantageously, the system can provide for increasedefficiency by reducing the number of consumer device inputs to completethe computer processing of group promotion data and universal consumerdevice access via use of the electronic reference (e.g., a hyperlink toa browser consumer interface).

At 3206, server 110 may be configured to receive an indication of theelectronic reference from the consumer device via the network. Forexample, the selection of the electronic reference via the consumerinterface may result in the consumer device sending a request toretrieve data located at a URL as defined by the electronic reference,and an indication of the electronic reference may be received by server110 via the network. Additionally or alternatively, server 110 may beconfigured to receive an indication that the consumer device hasreceived the electronic reference from the consumer device. Thus theelectronic reference, in some embodiments, may also be a group promotionidentifier that uniquely identifies the group promotion.

At 3208, server 110 may be configured to determine whether the groupsale count is at a maximum consumer amount. As discussed above, themaximum consumer amount for a group promotion may define the maximumnumber of consumers that can be added to the consumer group for thegroup promotion, and the group sale count may indicate the number ofconsumers that have purchased the promotion as a group promotion. Assuch, when the group sale count is at the maximum consumer amount,server 110 may be configured to no longer accept additional consumerswithin the consumer group. As discussed in further detail below, whenthe consumer group is full, the consumer may be allowed to purchase thepromotion on an individual basis and/or initiate a new group promotion(e.g., with a different consumer group) as discussed above in method2800.

In response to determining that the group sale count is not at themaximum consumer amount, method 3200 may proceed to 3210, where server110 may be configured to provide a consumer interface to the consumerdevice including the ungated group promotion display. FIG. 33 shows anexample of an ungated group promotion display 3300 in accordance withsome embodiments. Ungated group promotion display 3300 may be an exampleof a landing web page or other user interface that can be accessed viathe electronic reference. Ungated group promotion display 3300 mayinclude group promotion data 3302, share group promotion button 3304,login/register button 3306, and view deal button 3308. Group promotiondata 3302 may include an indication of the details of the grouppromotion such as a promotion description, the group discount, the groupsale threshold, the group sale count, etc.

In some embodiments, an ungated group promotion display may indicate adeadline wherein the group discount is no longer available to anyconsumers if the group sale threshold is not satisfied by the deadline.Here, the deadline may also be provided with group promotion data 3302to incentivize more immediate consumer action. In some embodiments, theungated group promotion display may provide different messages based onthe progress of the consumer group towards the group sale threshold. Forexample, group promotion data 3302 may include an indication of thenumber of consumers that need to purchase the group promotion for thegroup sale count to satisfy the group sale threshold. The message maydynamically change based on the group sale count. As shown in ungatedgroup promotion display 3300, a second consumer that receives theungated group promotion display may receive a message such as “yourfriend has bought this deal. If you and 2 more friends buy within 18hours we will refund $6 to everyone's credit card.” In another example,a third consumer that receives the ungated group promotion display aftertwo previous purchases by other consumers may receive a message such as“your friend has bought this deal. If you and 1 more friends buy within18 hours we will refund $6 to everyone's credit.” In some embodiments,the ungated group promotion display may include a special message whenthe consumer purchase count is nearing (e.g., 1 away) from the groupsale threshold. For example, a consumer whose purchase would result insatisfaction of the group sale threshold may receive a message such as“three of your friends have bought this deal. Buy this deal now andwe'll refund you and your friends $6 within 72 hours” or “three of yourfriends have bought this deal. Buy this deal now for only $30.”

Share group promotion button 3304 may be configured to provide sharingof the group promotion with additional consumers. In response to theconsumer selecting share group promotion button 3304, server 110 may beconfigured to provide a sharing channel display as discussed above.Login/register button 3306 may be configured to allow the consumer toprovide login data or register with the system for consumer accountcreation. View deal button 3308 may be configured to allow the consumerto initiate purchase of the promotion.

In some embodiments, when the consumer device is a mobile device (e.g.,a mobile phone), server 110 may be configured to provide an ungatedgroup promotion display that is optimized for mobile displays and touchscreen input devices. Some or all of the discussion regarding ungatedgroup promotion display 3300 may be applicable to the mobile promotiondisplay. In some embodiments, the mobile promotion display may be asimplified or stripped down version of a full website promotion display(e.g., promotion display 2800). For example, the mobile promotiondisplay may not include a share group promotion button 3304, or thelike. Furthermore, view deal button 3308 may indicate “view deal onwebsite” and provide a link to a full website promotion display such aspromotion display 2800.

At 3212, server 110 may be configured to provide a promotion display tothe consumer interface in response to receiving consumer device inputindicating selection of the view promotion button. The discussion aboveregarding promotion displays (e.g., promotion display 800 or 2900) maybe applicable at 3212. Selection of the view promotion button mayindicate consumer interest in purchasing the promotion.

At 3214, server 110 may be configured to perform one or more of steps28062820 of method 2800. Thus steps 2806-2820, including the primarypurchase path, may be performed for each consumer that that purchasesthe promotion, such as by using buy button 2904 within promotion display2900. Alternatively, the group promotion may be purchased using asecondary purchase path, such in response to the consumer selectinggroup promotion selection 804 rather than buy button 802, as shown inpromotion display 800. Server 110 may determine whether the buy button802 of the promotion display has been selected, and if so, may provide acheckout display to confirm the purchase. In some embodiments, server110 may be further configured to provide the sharing channel displaysubsequent to the purchase confirmation to allow the consumer to sharethe group promotion with additional consumers via one or morecommunication channels. In some embodiments, server 110 may beconfigured to require the registration and/or login by the consumerprior to a successful purchase of the group promotion. Here, the grouppromotion may be used to incentivize consumer account activations orre-activations (e.g., from inactive accounts), in addition to increasedpromotion purchases.

At 3216, server 110 may be configured to increment the group sale count.As discussed above, the group sale count may be incremented for eachconsumer that joins the consumer group for the group promotion.

At 3218, server 118 may be configured to determine whether the groupsale count satisfies the group sale threshold. The group sale threshold,as discussed above, may define the number purchases of the grouppromotion and/or agreements to purchase the group promotion that must beexceeded by members of the consumer group before a group discount and/orother incentive may be awarded.

In response to determining that the group sale count has satisfied thegroup sale threshold, method 3200 may proceed to 3220, where server 110may be configured to perform steps 408-416 of method 400. Here, thegroup discount may be associated with each of the consumer accounts ofthe consumer group. Furthermore, consumers that have purchased thepromotion for the purchase value may be provided the group discount as acredit and/or refund for at least a portion of the purchase value of thegroup promotion. In some embodiments, such as where consumer groupeligibility has been predefined and/or where the maximum consumer amounthas not been reached, unpurchased consumers (e.g., of a predefinedconsumer group or otherwise) may be provided with a discounted purchaseprice representing the purchase value less the credit and/or refundvalue.

At 3222, sever 110 may be configured to provide confirmation of arefund/discount message to each consumer device associated with theconsumer group. The confirmation of a refund/discount message may beprovided via any suitable communication discussed herein, and mayindicate that the group sale threshold has been satisfied and that thegroup discount has been rewarded.

Returning to 3218, in response to determining that the group sale countfails to satisfy the group sale threshold, method 3200 may proceed to3224, where server 110 may be configured to provide a promotion purchaseconfirmation to the consumer device. The discussion at 2822 of method2800 may be applicable at 3218.

At 3226, server 110 may be configured to provide a group purchasemessage to one or more other consumer devices associated with theconsumer group. The group purchase message may indicate that the newconsumer has purchased the group promotion and has been added to theconsumer group. The group promotion message may also indicate additionalgroup promotion data, such as the group sale threshold and/or groupdiscount, thereby providing for the tracking of progress toward thegroup sale threshold and incentivizing consumer activity. In someembodiments, server 110 may be further configured to provide a groupdiscussion interface to consumer devices associated with each member ofthe consumer group as discussed above.

In some embodiments, a group promotion may include an expiration date ordeadline wherein the group discount is no longer available to anymembers of the consumer group if the group sale threshold is notsatisfied by the deadline. Here, server 110 may be configured to providea message to each consumer account via any suitable communicationchannel indicating that the consumer group has failed to satisfy thegroup sale threshold and that the group discount is unavailable.

Returning to 3208, in response to determining that the group sale countis at the maximum consumer amount, method 3200 may proceed to 3228,where server 110 may be configured to provide a promotion display to theconsumer device. As discussed above, the promotion display (e.g.,promotion display 800 or 2900) may provide for the purchase of thepromotion on an individual basis or as a group promotion. In someembodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide a warning messageindicating that the group promotion is at the max consumer amount and/orotherwise unavailable. In another example, the warning message may beprovided at the checkout display (e.g., checkout display 3000)subsequent to the initiation of consumer purchase of the promotion.

At 3230, server 110 may be configured to perform steps 2806-2824 ofmethod 2800. Here, server 110 may be configured to provide for theprimary purchase path that includes purchasing the promotion as a grouppromotion, creating a new group promotion based on the underlyingpurchased promotion, adding the consumer to the group promotion, etc.Thus when an existing group promotion has reached the maximum consumeramount, server 110 may allow additional consumers that are interested inthe promotion as a group promotion to create a new group promotion.Method 3200 may then proceed to 3232 and end.

In some embodiments, server 110 may be configured to provide for thetracking of group promotion purchases, and may perform analyticsdirected to maximizing consumer engagement as measured by one or more ofconsumer account activations, consumer account re-activations, and/orincreased promotion purchases. For example, the analytics may be used todetermine optimal group sale thresholds, group discounts, etc. for thevarious underlying promotions offered by promotion and marketing system102.

Server 110 may be configured to initiate a differential pricing testdesigned to facilitate understanding of the upper limits on the abilityto increase engagement through group discounts. In an initial test,server 110 may be configured to test high group discounts, such as up toa 50% incremental group discount. The test may be performed on X grouppromotions at a Y maximum consumer amount for each group promotion.Here, if the Y maximum consumer amount is reached at the 50% groupdiscount, then the group discount has likely cannibalized non-groupdiscount sales, and the cost of the test may be determined as Z.

Some key measures of engagement may include number of promotions sold,bookings, revenue, activations, and re-activations under the groupdiscount vs. the control for non-group promotions sold, bookings,revenue, activations, and re-activations. Server 110 may determine keymeasures such as: at what rate do consumers choose to use grouppromotion purchase option as opposed to promotion purchases on anindividual basis and/or the number of group promotion views or sales pergroup promotion instance, and the rate at which group promotionpurchases meet a minimum threshold. Furthermore, server 110 may beconfigured to determine based on the differential pricing test the levelof consumer engagement with various features, the success rate ofconsumers in inducing friends to purchase group promotions, and/or thereferral frequency of new consumer accounts vs. previously engagedconsumer accounts. In that sense, server 110 may be configured toprogrammatically determine group promotion data to optimize varioustypes of consumer engagement, or consumer engagement overall.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to oneskilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefitof the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. For example, the techniques discussed hereininvolving a providing group promotions may easily be extended to othercontexts where goods, services, and/or experiences may be offered togroups of consumers. Therefore, it is to be understood that embodimentsand implementations are not to be limited to the specific exampleembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1.-80. (canceled)
 81. A method comprising: identifying each of aplurality of consumer accounts associated with a group promotionidentifier, the plurality of consumer accounts comprising at least afirst consumer account and a second consumer account; generating a groupredemption time poll interface, the group redemption time poll interfaceconfigured to be displayed via a user interface at each of at least afirst consumer device associated with the first consumer account and asecond consumer device associated with the second consumer account,wherein the group redemption time poll interface comprises a groupredemption time poll and is configured to receive, separately, via inputat the user interface, from each of the at least the first consumerdevice and the second consumer device, a selection of one or moreproposed group redemption times; providing access to the group promotionevent interface to each of the plurality of consumer accounts associatedwith a group promotion identifier; receiving, from the first consumerdevice via the network, an indication of first group redemption timedata, the first group redemption data indicating a first selection ofone or more proposed group redemption times generated via the groupredemption time poll; receiving, from the second consumer device via thenetwork, an indication of second group redemption time data, the secondgroup redemption data indicating a second selection of one or moreproposed group redemption times generated via the group redemption timepoll; and determining a group redemption time based at least in part onthe first redemption time data and the second redemption time data. 82.The method of claim 81, further comprising: generating, by theprocessor, a group promotion interface associated with a promotion, thegroup promotion interface comprising at least an interactive buy icondisplayed on the group promotion interface; and providing ungated accessto the group promotion interface.
 83. The method of claim 82, furthercomprising: receiving, from the first device, an indication of aselection of the interactive buy icon displayed on the group promotioninterface; and generating, by the processor, a group promotion eventinterface associated with the promotion, the group promotion eventinterface comprising at least a second interactive buy icon displayed onthe group promotion event interface and the group redemption time pollinterface; and providing access to group promotion event interface. 84.The method of claim 83, further comprising: providing, subsequent tocompletion of the purchase of the group promotion, the group promotionidentifier to the first consumer account associated with the firstconsumer device, wherein the group promotion identifier is configured tobe shared with one or more other consumer devices, including at leastthe second consumer device, via any one of a plurality of communicationchannels, and upon selection of the group promotion identifier, toprovide access the group promotion event interface, via causing launchof an application specific to a promotion and marketing system or via abrowser configured to navigate to a URL indicated by the group promotionidentifier.
 85. The method of claim 84, further comprising: receiving,via the network, an indication of the group promotion identifier fromthe second consumer device; in response to receiving the group promotionidentifier from the second consumer device, determining the secondconsumer account associated with the second consumer device; andproviding ungated access to the group promotion event interface to thesecond consumer account.
 86. The method of claim 81, further comprising:determining whether a group sale count meets a maximum consumer amountthreshold associated with the group promotion; and upon determinationthat group sale count fails to meet the maximum consumer amountthreshold associated with the group promotion, maintaining ungatedaccess to the group promotion event interface to each of one or moreother consumer accounts associated with the group promotion identifier.87. The method of claim 81, further comprising: determining whether agroup sale count meets a maximum consumer amount threshold associatedwith the group promotion; and upon determination that group sale countmeets the maximum consumer amount threshold associated with the grouppromotion, removing ungated access to the group promotion eventinterface to each of one or more other consumer accounts associated withthe group promotion identifier.
 88. An apparatus comprising at least oneprocessor and at least one memory including computer program code, theat least one memory and the computer program code configured to, withthe processor, cause the apparatus to at least: identify each of aplurality of consumer accounts associated with a group promotionidentifier, the plurality of consumer accounts comprising at least afirst consumer account and a second consumer account; generate a groupredemption time poll interface, the group redemption time poll interfaceconfigured to be displayed via a user interface at each of at least afirst consumer device associated with the first consumer account and asecond consumer device associated with the second consumer account,wherein the group redemption time poll interface comprises a groupredemption time poll and is configured to receive, separately, via inputat the user interface, from each of the at least the first consumerdevice and the second consumer device, a selection of one or moreproposed group redemption times; provide access to the group promotionevent interface to each of the plurality of consumer accounts associatedwith a group promotion identifier; receive, from the first consumerdevice via the network, an indication of first group redemption timedata, the first group redemption data indicating a first selection ofone or more proposed group redemption times generated via the groupredemption time poll; receive, from the second consumer device via thenetwork, an indication of second group redemption time data, the secondgroup redemption data indicating a second selection of one or moreproposed group redemption times generated via the group redemption timepoll; and determine a group redemption time based at least in part onthe first redemption time data and the second redemption time data. 89.The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the at least one memory andthe computer program code are further configured to, with the processor,cause the apparatus to: generate, by the processor, a group promotioninterface associated with a promotion, the group promotion interfacecomprising at least an interactive buy icon displayed on the grouppromotion interface; and provide ungated access to the group promotioninterface.
 90. The apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the at leastone memory and the computer program code are further configured to, withthe processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, from the first device,an indication of a selection of the interactive buy icon displayed onthe group promotion interface; and generate, by the processor, a grouppromotion event interface associated with the promotion, the grouppromotion event interface comprising at least a second interactive buyicon displayed on the group promotion event interface and the groupredemption time poll interface; and provide access to group promotionevent interface.
 91. The apparatus according to claim 90, wherein the atleast one memory and the computer program code are further configuredto, with the processor, cause the apparatus to: provide, subsequent tocompletion of the purchase of the group promotion, the group promotionidentifier to the first consumer account associated with the firstconsumer device, wherein the group promotion identifier is configured tobe shared with one or more other consumer devices, including at leastthe second consumer device, via any one of a plurality of communicationchannels, and upon selection of the group promotion identifier, toprovide access the group promotion event interface, via causing launchof an application specific to a promotion and marketing system or via abrowser configured to navigate to a URL indicated by the group promotionidentifier.
 92. The apparatus according to claim 91, wherein the atleast one memory and the computer program code are further configuredto, with the processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, via thenetwork, an indication of the group promotion identifier from the secondconsumer device; in response to receiving the group promotion identifierfrom the second consumer device, determine the second consumer accountassociated with the second consumer device; and provide ungated accessto the group promotion event interface to the second consumer account.93. The apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the at least one memoryand the computer program code are further configured to, with theprocessor, cause the apparatus to: determine whether a group sale countmeets a maximum consumer amount threshold associated with the grouppromotion; and upon determination that group sale count fails to meetthe maximum consumer amount threshold associated with the grouppromotion, maintain ungated access to the group promotion eventinterface to each of one or more other consumer accounts associated withthe group promotion identifier.
 94. The apparatus according to claim 88,wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code arefurther configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to:determine whether a group sale count meets a maximum consumer amountthreshold associated with the group promotion; and upon determinationthat group sale count meets the maximum consumer amount thresholdassociated with the group promotion, remove ungated access to the grouppromotion event interface to each of one or more other consumer accountsassociated with the group promotion identifier.
 95. A computer programproduct comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium having computer-executable program code instructions storedtherein, the computer-executable program code instructions comprisingprogram code instructions for: identifying each of a plurality ofconsumer accounts associated with a group promotion identifier, theplurality of consumer accounts comprising at least a first consumeraccount and a second consumer account; generating a group redemptiontime poll interface, the group redemption time poll interface configuredto be displayed via a user interface at each of at least a firstconsumer device associated with the first consumer account and a secondconsumer device associated with the second consumer account, wherein thegroup redemption time poll interface comprises a group redemption timepoll and is configured to receive, separately, via input at the userinterface, from each of the at least the first consumer device and thesecond consumer device, a selection of one or more proposed groupredemption times; providing access to the group promotion eventinterface to each of the plurality of consumer accounts associated witha group promotion identifier; receiving, from the first consumer devicevia the network, an indication of first group redemption time data, thefirst group redemption data indicating a first selection of one or moreproposed group redemption times generated via the group redemption timepoll; receiving, from the second consumer device via the network, anindication of second group redemption time data, the second groupredemption data indicating a second selection of one or more proposedgroup redemption times generated via the group redemption time poll; anddetermining a group redemption time based at least in part on the firstredemption time data and the second redemption time data.
 96. Thecomputer program product according to claim 95, wherein thecomputer-executable program code instructions further comprise programcode instructions for: generating, by the processor, a group promotioninterface associated with a promotion, the group promotion interfacecomprising at least an interactive buy icon displayed on the grouppromotion interface; and providing ungated access to the group promotioninterface.
 97. The computer program product according to claim 96,wherein the computer-executable program code instructions furthercomprise program code instructions for: receiving, from the firstdevice, an indication of a selection of the interactive buy icondisplayed on the group promotion interface; and generating, by theprocessor, a group promotion event interface associated with thepromotion, the group promotion event interface comprising at least asecond interactive buy icon displayed on the group promotion eventinterface and the group redemption time poll interface; and providingaccess to group promotion event interface.
 98. The computer programproduct according to claim 97, wherein the computer-executable programcode instructions further comprise program code instructions for:providing, subsequent to completion of the purchase of the grouppromotion, the group promotion identifier to the first consumer accountassociated with the first consumer device, wherein the group promotionidentifier is configured to be shared with one or more other consumerdevices, including at least the second consumer device, via any one of aplurality of communication channels, and upon selection of the grouppromotion identifier, to provide access the group promotion eventinterface, via causing launch of an application specific to a promotionand marketing system or via a browser configured to navigate to a URLindicated by the group promotion identifier.
 99. The computer programproduct according to claim 98, wherein the computer-executable programcode instructions further comprise program code instructions for:receiving, via the network, an indication of the group promotionidentifier from the second consumer device; in response to receiving thegroup promotion identifier from the second consumer device, determiningthe second consumer account associated with the second consumer device;and providing ungated access to the group promotion event interface tothe second consumer account.
 100. The computer program product accordingto claim 95, wherein the computer-executable program code instructionsfurther comprise program code instructions for: determining whether agroup sale count meets a maximum consumer amount threshold associatedwith the group promotion; and upon determination that group sale countfails to meet the maximum consumer amount threshold associated with thegroup promotion, maintaining ungated access to the group promotion eventinterface to each of one or more other consumer accounts associated withthe group promotion identifier.
 101. The computer program productaccording to claim 95, wherein the computer-executable program codeinstructions further comprise program code instructions for: determiningwhether a group sale count meets a maximum consumer amount thresholdassociated with the group promotion; and upon determination that groupsale count meets the maximum consumer amount threshold associated withthe group promotion, removing ungated access to the group promotionevent interface to each of one or more other consumer accountsassociated with the group promotion identifier.